News Summary
Phoenix is preparing for significant weather changes as remnants of Hurricane Priscilla bring tropical moisture to the region. Starting October 9, rainfall is expected to increase, with predictions of up to 1.25 inches by Saturday. Meteorologists caution about minor flooding, particularly in dry washes, and have issued a flood watch from Friday afternoon to Sunday. Cooler temperatures in the mid-80s will provide relief from the recent heat. Residents are advised to stay informed about potential flood risks and to be cautious while traveling during the period of heavy rain.
Phoenix is bracing for a significant change in weather, as tropical moisture linked to the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla is set to bring prolonged rainfall, raising flood risks across the region. Rain chances are expected to increase starting Thursday, October 9, with moisture advancing north from the system, which is currently situated off the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Initial storms on Thursday will likely remain concentrated mostly west of Phoenix. However, a more significant spread of showers is predicted to occur on Friday into Saturday, when the area could see between 1 to 1.25 inches of rainfall. Meteorologist Ryan Worley from the National Weather Service (NWS) has stated that the rainfall will come in over an extended period, which diminishes the risk of flash flooding, although isolated flooding remains a concern.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Friday night into Saturday, with conditions potentially leading to ponding water and minor flooding in certain areas. To address the anticipated rainfall, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch effective from Friday, October 10, at 12 p.m. until Sunday, October 12, at 12 a.m.
The rainfall will occur over several days, reducing chances for flash flooding, yet it could still disrupt commutes and result in localized flooding, especially in typically dry washes. Rainfall totals across lower desert regions are expected to range between 0.3 and 0.75 inches. In higher terrains, totals could approach an inch or more, with select locations potentially exceeding an inch if storms repeatedly traverse the same area.
An excessive rainfall outlook is in effect for Saturday, October 11, with warnings regarding hazardous travel conditions due to the heavy rain. Drivers are advised to steer clear of flooded roads and low-water crossings as a precaution.
In addition to the rain, residents can expect cooler temperatures, with daytime highs predicted to settle in the mid-80s. This anticipated drop in temperature will offer a brief respite from the recent triple-digit heat.
Fall tropical moisture surges like this are rare and are not a certainty in every year. The situation presented by Hurricane Priscilla is distinct from the monsoon season, which concluded on September 30. During the monsoon, 2.76 inches of rain fell at Sky Harbor International Airport before it ended.
The current moisture is not related to the monsoon, as it originates from a different direction. Additionally, there is the potential for another tropical system to form, which may lead to further rain opportunities early next week. However, the details regarding this possibility remain unclear at this time.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and keep up with any new forecasts and flood warnings or watches that may be issued as the rainfall approaches. By remaining vigilant, community members can best prepare for the incoming weather and minimize the impact of the expected rain.
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Additional Resources
- Arizona Central
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Priscilla
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Hurricane Priscilla
- ABC15 Weather
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Priscilla
- KTAR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Priscilla
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google News: Hurricane Priscilla
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.
