News Summary
Phoenix is set to experience significant late-season monsoon storms, with meteorologists predicting increased moisture and atmospheric instability starting Thursday. Rain chances are particularly high on Friday, accompanied by strong thunderstorms, wind gusts, and potential flash flooding. As temperatures drop from unusually high levels, residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates while the monsoon season nears its end.
Phoenix is bracing for significant late-season monsoon storms as meteorologists predict a surge of moisture and atmospheric instability moving into the area starting Thursday, September 25. This weather system, influenced by a strong low-pressure front off Southern California, could lead to severe thunderstorms with rain chances peaking on Friday.
Forecasters indicate a 50 to 60% probability for strong thunderstorms, especially on Friday, with less intense chances of rainfall ranging between 20 to 30% through Thursday afternoon and evening. Current temperatures are unusually high for this time of year, reaching about 105 degrees in lower desert areas. However, as the storm progresses, temperatures are expected to drop into the low to mid-90s by Friday, which is below the normal for late September.
The forecasted storms are characterized as a transition from traditional monsoon patterns to early fall conditions. Unlike previous seasons where a ridge of high pressure neatly perched over the Four Corners region, current conditions involve a southeast flow that will draw precipitation from Mexico and the Gulf of California. This altered pattern could lead to an active weather day in Phoenix and surrounding areas.
Potential hazards accompanying this incoming weather system include strong wind gusts, large hail, and the risk of flash flooding across south-central Arizona, with a notable focus on Phoenix. While rain chances are high this week, further forecasts indicate that rain may primarily affect higher terrain areas over the weekend.
As of now, the recorded rainfall at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport stands at 0.91 inches during this monsoon season, significantly below the normal rainfall amount of 2.33 inches for this time year. The seasonal average is 2.43 inches, and some areas, including north Scottsdale, north Phoenix, and parts of the West Valley, have already seen over 2 inches of rain this season. This late-season surge of moisture is particularly critical, as it may represent the last opportunity for monsoonal rain before a potential dry spell kicks in leading into winter.
Residents are advised to remain aware of weather updates as the storms approach, with particular caution urged for those in areas vulnerable to flooding and damaging wind events. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the changing weather patterns closely as the end of the monsoon season approaches on September 30.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Phoenix Weather Update
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- KTAR: Monsoon Storms in Phoenix
- Google Search: Phoenix monsoon weather
- AZ Family: Monsoon May Return
- Google Scholar: Phoenix weather monsoon
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Weather Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Monsoon
- ABC News: Monsoon Season in the US
- Google News: Arizona weather monsoon
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
