Local
Phoenix-area storms may bring heavy rain, flooding Wednesday and Thursday
A Pacific low-pressure system and unusually moist air are expected to fuel multiple rounds of storms across south-central Arizona. The greatest rainfall and flash-flood threat may be north and northeast of Phoenix, though flooding is possible in the metro area, too.
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and flash flooding to the Phoenix area Wednesday and Thursday as a strong Pacific storm system moves into Arizona, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The system is expected to arrive late Tuesday or early Wednesday, following a mostly sunny start to the week with highs near 90 degrees. The incoming storm, combined with above-normal atmospheric moisture, is forecast to increase the chance of showers and thunderstorms across south-central Arizona.
Some storms could produce rainfall at rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour, said Gabriel Lojero, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Phoenix. Repeated storms over the same areas could trigger flash flooding. Isolated severe storms may also bring strong winds and hail.
The highest rainfall totals are expected in higher terrain just north or northeast of Phoenix, where some locations could receive multiple inches. Lojero said flash flooding cannot be ruled out in the Phoenix metro area.
Storms are expected to move out before the weekend, with drier weather returning Friday and continuing into next weekend. The unsettled weather could also bring a sharp cooldown: highs may struggle to reach 80 degrees Thursday and Friday, below the seasonal norm, Lojero said.