News Summary
Severe weather is set to impact outdoor high school football games in the Valley this weekend, with the Arizona Interscholastic Association prioritizing player and fan safety. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected, prompting possible game delays and cancellations. The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and dust storm warnings for the area, affecting thousands without power. Schools are taking precautions, halting games if lightning is detected and ensuring a safe environment for athletes and spectators amidst the unpredictable Arizona weather.
Phoenix
Severe weather is moving into the Valley, posing a significant threat to outdoor high school football games scheduled for this weekend. The Arizona Interscholastic Association has confirmed that player and fan safety is their utmost priority, leading to potential delays and game cancellations due to storms predicted to affect the area.
The storms are expected to bring strong gusty winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in certain areas like Glendale and Peoria. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Maricopa and Pinal Counties until 6:15 p.m., and heavy localized downpours are also anticipated. As the weather develops, high school football games scheduled for Friday may need to be halted or postponed. In particular, the Pima vs. Scottsdale Christian game has already been postponed due to these severe weather conditions.
Safety protocols in response to the storms include the immediate halt of games if lightning is detected within proximity. In such cases, participants are required to seek shelter for at least 30 minutes. Attendees, including players and fans, are advised to stay away from metal bleachers and gates during storms to minimize the risk of injury.
At Centennial High School in Peoria, players are bracing for the potential weather interruptions. Varsity guard Karmello Calloway has expressed concerns regarding the impact of rain on gameplay, specifically that it complicates passing and may lead to muscle cramps and hinder movement on the field.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Dust Storm Warning for Maricopa and Pinal Counties, tracking dust storms moving southwest at 40 mph and reaching areas including Tempe, Chandler Heights, and Florence. As a result of the approaching storms, nearly 5,000 people in the Valley were reported to be without power as of Thursday evening.
Historically, the weather in Arizona has been unpredictable, often impacting sporting events. The Arizona Interscholastic Association continues to prioritize safety and will comply with meteorological guidelines to ensure all players and attendees are protected during severe weather instances.
As the weekend approaches, local teams will be keeping an eye on weather updates to adapt their schedules accordingly while ensuring they maintain safety at the forefront. The goal is to provide a safe experience for athletes and spectators alike, even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Liberty Lions Prepare to Kick Off High School Football Season
- 12 News: Thunderstorms Make Way Toward East Valley
- Sports360AZ: Taylor Made a New Era of Centennial Football
- Fox 10 Phoenix: New Details on Deadly Peoria Crash
- Sporting News: Live Updates on Arizona High School Football
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Google Search: High School Football Arizona
- Google Scholar: Football Weather Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Arizona Weather
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.
