First Alert Weather: Incoming dangerous heat in Phoenix as storms trigger flood watch

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An extreme heat watch is in effect from Thursday through Monday for southwest Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area. Those days have been designated First Alert Weather Days, as temperatures will reach 110 to 114 degrees. If you’ll be spending time outdoors, try to limit prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

A flood watch is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday for much of northern and southeastern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Payson and Globe. Showers and thunderstorms may produce 1 to 2 inches of rain, creating the potential for flash flooding and excessive runoff along rivers, creeks and washes.

Highs will climb to around 106 degrees Monday afternoon, which is right on average for this time of year. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Valley Monday night, with the best chances across the higher terrain east of Phoenix. Even if rain doesn’t make it into the Valley, outflow winds from nearby storms could still bring gusty winds and areas of blowing dust.

Tuesday will be a little cooler, with highs near 103 degrees and a 30% chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.

Temperatures will rebound to around 108 degrees on Wednesday, with only a slight chance of an afternoon shower.

A warming trend sets in late this week, with highs climbing to around 110 to 114 degrees from Thursday through Monday.

Across the High Country, scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through midweek before becoming more isolated on Thursday and Friday.

Many locations have gotten off to a healthy start to the monsoon season. For example, Flagstaff has picked up 2.74 inches of rain since June 15, well above the normal monsoon-to-date total of 1.47 inches.

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