Dust storms in Arizona could affect the Valley on Monday evening as storms move through the area. The forecast also points to strong winds and small hail before the storms are expected to ease by around 10 PM.
Ashley Losch on Valley storms
Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department said most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. She said those storms can interrupt water, power, and gas services.
The same weather pattern started building earlier Monday, when thunderstorms developed in the mountain terrain of Arizona and heavy storms in northern Arizona produced several flash flood warnings. Severe thunderstorms were also tracking through the Florence and Kearny areas as of 5:30 PM, with 60 mph wind gusts, small hail, heavy rain, and lightning.
Monday evening in the Valley
Storms were possible in the Valley throughout the evening, and some blowing dust or a dust storm could take shape there. The forecast was for storms to end by around 10 PM in the Valley and across Arizona, which leaves a narrow window for the dust risk before the system moves out.
Tuesday was expected to start with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80s in the Valley, before storms build over the mountains across Arizona by 2 PM. More flash flooding was likely in the mountains on Tuesday, along with strong winds, lightning, and blowing dust.
Thursday and Friday pattern
The same storm pattern was expected each day through the weekend, with the most widespread storm activity likely on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures in the Valley were expected to climb only into the low 100s by the end of the week, with overnight lows in the 80s and rain possible in parts of Arizona throughout the week.
For Valley residents, the practical move Monday night is to watch for fast-changing visibility and service problems if storms develop near home. The open question is whether a dust storm actually forms in the Valley before the storms end.
