The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a flash flood watch for all of Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
Areas of central and eastern Arizona should expect lightning, heavy rain, small hail, strong winds and blowing dust, as well as localized flooding by midweek.
“Impacts from the storms will include strong outflow winds and blowing dust with locally damaging wind gusts, then transition further to heavy rainfall and localized flooding,” the National Weather Service in Phoenix said in a forecast discussion Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, there will be a 30 percent chance of rain on Saturday and a 60 percent chance of rain on both Sunday and Monday.
Temperatures in the Valley are also expected to drop due to forecast storms.
“Increased moisture and thunderstorm activity will allow temperatures to cool significantly during the first half of next week with many lower elevation communities struggling to reach 100 degrees within a few days,” according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Sunday’s high is expected to reach 104 degrees, while Monday’s high is expected to drop to 98 degrees. Highs will likely reach 97 degrees on Tuesday and 100 degrees on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has also issued a flash flood watch from Sunday afternoon through late Monday night for Yavapai County, the southern portions of the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains.
Flash flooding is possible in washes, creeks and low water crossings. Arizonans are advised to avoid flood-prone areas such as streams and drains. Areas of recent burns are especially vulnerable to flooding, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
The flood warning comes days after intensive flood mitigation efforts began in and around areas of Flagstaff, particularly in neighborhoods near burn scars from recent wildfires.
The City of Phoenix has a list of safety tips and resources web site for owners and drivers who suffer from the monsoon weather.
Contact breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.
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