Storms in the Valley could bring a Phoenix weather dust storm Monday evening, along with strong winds and small hail. The weather pattern also carried a chance of blowing dust before conditions were expected to ease by around 10 PM.
Monday afternoon storms developed in Arizona's mountain terrain, and by 5:30 PM severe thunderstorms were moving through Florence and Kearny. Those storms produced 60 mph wind gusts, heavy rain, lightning, and small hail, with several flash flood warnings in northern Arizona.
Glendale Fire Department warning
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 the same storms can interrupt water, power, and gas service, a practical concern if blowing dust builds and visibility drops during the evening commute.
Storms were possible in the Valley throughout the evening, but they were also expected to end by around 10 PM in the Valley and across the state. That left a narrow window for the dust risk to develop, intensify, and then shut down before the night was over.
Arizona Tuesday forecast
Tuesday was expected to start sunny in the Valley with temperatures in the upper 80s. Storms were then expected to build over the mountains by 2 PM, track southwest through the afternoon and evening, and bring strong winds, lightning, blowing dust, and more flash flooding in the mountains.
The same weather pattern was expected each day through the weekend, with the most widespread storm activity likely on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures were expected to gradually fall by the end of the week, with highs only reaching the low 100s in the Valley and overnight lows in the 80s.
For Valley residents, the immediate question is whether Monday's dust stayed only a possibility or became the kind of fast-moving storm that can cut visibility and disrupt service before clearing later in the night.
