Key Takeaways
- Monday brought near‑normal temperatures across Arizona, with afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains prompting flash‑flood warnings in the north and severe storms (60 mph gusts, small hail, heavy rain) over Florence and Kearny.
- Evening storms may affect the Phoenix Valley with strong winds, hail, and possible blowing dust, but activity should wind down by about 10 p.m.
- Tuesday will start sunny and clear, with Valley highs in the upper 80s; storms will redevelop over the mountains by early afternoon, tracking southwest and bringing renewed flash‑flood, wind, lightning and dust threats.
- The same monsoon pattern is expected through the weekend, with the most widespread activity likely Thursday and Friday; temperatures will slowly decline, peaking only in the low 100s in the Valley and overnight lows in the 80s.
- Heat‑related illnesses range from cramps to life‑threatening stroke; rapid cooling, shade, and sipping water are essential, while avoiding fluids for vomiting or unconscious victims and never underestimating the danger.
- Preventive measures include staying in air‑conditioned spaces, using cooling centers, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, checking on vulnerable people, hydrating before/during/after exertion, and monitoring UV and heat‑risk maps.
- Flood safety stresses “turn around, don’t drown”: avoid flooded roadways, abandon vehicles if water rises, seek higher ground, stay informed via radio/NOAA, and never touch standing water near downed power lines.
- Severe‑thunderstorm preparedness calls for an emergency kit, a household disaster plan, a battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio, a window‑less safe room, and discussion of risks with all family members.
- Glendale Fire Captain Ashley Losch recommends flashlights with spare batteries, non‑perishable food, at least one gallon of water per person, backup power for medical devices and cell phones, a ready first‑aid kit, and keeping pets indoors while avoiding flooded washes and downed lines.
- For real‑time updates, consult the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page or download the free FOX 10 Weather app (iOS/Android); additional resources include satellite/radar, day planner, records, current temps, 10‑day forecast, rainfall totals, and live video feeds.
Monday’s Weather
Arizona experienced near‑normal temperatures on Monday, with the day’s heat giving way to afternoon thunderstorms that formed over the state’s mountainous terrain. In northern Arizona, the storms were intense enough to trigger several flash‑flood warnings, which are set to expire later this evening. Further south, severe thunderstorms moved through the Florence and Kearny vicinity around 5:30 p.m., producing wind gusts near 60 mph, small hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.
Tonight’s Outlook
The Phoenix Valley can expect continued storm activity throughout the evening. Strong winds, small hail, and occasional blowing dust—or even a localized dust storm—are possible. Forecasters anticipate that the storms will diminish and end by roughly 10 p.m., both in the Valley and across the broader state.
Tuesday’s Forecast
Overnight skies should clear, giving way to a sunny start to Tuesday. Valley temperatures are projected to reach the upper 80s°F. By early afternoon, storm development will resume over Arizona’s higher elevations, with the cells tracking southwest through the afternoon and evening. This renewed activity raises the likelihood of additional flash‑flood events in the mountains, accompanied by strong winds, lightning, and the potential for blowing dust.
Extended Outlook
The monsoon pattern described above is expected to persist each day through the weekend. The most widespread storm coverage is likely on Thursday and Friday, when the combination of moisture and heating could produce the strongest activity. As the week progresses, temperatures will gradually ease; Valley highs are forecast to dip into the low 100s°F, while overnight lows settle in the 80s°F range.
Heat‑Related Emergencies
The Scottsdale Fire Department outlines three levels of heat illness. Heat cramps manifest as profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, and painful muscle spasms. Heat exhaustion adds headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, and cool, moist skin. Heat stroke is the most severe, marked by a core temperature above 103°F, confusion or irrational behavior, dry hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, a weak rapid pulse, possible seizures, and loss of consciousness. Immediate response involves moving the person to shade or a cool area, applying cool, wet cloths to the neck, groin, armpits, and head, and fanning the body. If the individual is alert, small sips of cool water are advised; for muscle cramps, gentle but firm massage can help. If symptoms worsen, emergency services (911) must be contacted. Important “don’ts” include giving anything by mouth to a vomiting, unable‑to‑swallow, or unconscious person, and never underestimating the seriousness of any heat‑related condition.
Heat‑Illness Prevention
The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends staying in air‑conditioned environments whenever possible, utilizing cooling centers or hydration stations, and limiting outdoor exertion during the hottest part of the day (typically midday). Checking on at‑risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice daily is crucial. Individuals should drink water before, during, and after any outdoor work or exercise, and monitor both the UV Index and the local heat‑risk map for added guidance.
Road and Flood Safety
For real‑time road conditions, Arizona residents can dial 511 statewide or call 1‑888‑411‑ROAD (7623). The American Red Cross urges drivers to remember “turn around, don’t drown”: if a roadway is flooded, turn back and find an alternate route. Should a vehicle become trapped in rising water, occupants should exit quickly and move to higher ground. Staying informed via local radio, NOAA weather radio, or news outlets is advised, especially in flood‑prone neighborhoods where rapid evacuation may be necessary. Never attempt to drive through flowing water—less than 10 inches can sweep a car away. Avoid downed power lines; the ground can remain energized for up to 200 feet. If power is out, use flashlights only and avoid open flames for illumination.
Severe Thunderstorm Preparation
The Red Cross also provides a checklist for thunderstorm readiness. Households should assemble an emergency kit containing water, non‑perishable food, medications, and essential supplies. Knowing the community’s evacuation routes and having a practiced family disaster plan are vital. A battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio ensures access to updates when electricity fails. Families should identify a safe interior room without windows, skylights, or glass doors to shelter during high winds or hail. Discussing thunderstorm hazards with all members and establishing a meeting point improves coordination and safety.
Local Officials’ Advice
Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department emphasized that Valley residents are accustomed to the rapid onset and departure of monsoon storms, which can bring strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding, often disrupting water, power, and gas services. To stay safe, residents are urged to keep flashlights with spare batteries on hand, store non‑perishable food, maintain at least one gallon of water per person, secure backup power for medical devices and cell phones, have a readily accessible first‑aid kit, and never drive through flowing water. Additionally, avoid washes when water is rising, seek higher ground if flooding threatens, keep pets indoors during storms, and steer clear of downed lines.
Source and Additional Resources
All weather details in this report were gathered by the FOX 10 Weather Experts. For the latest conditions, forecasts, radar imagery, satellite views, daily planners, temperature records, 10‑day outlooks, rainfall totals, and live video feeds, visit the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page or download the free FOX 10 Weather app (available on Apple iOS and Android).