News Summary
Arizona is facing severe weather conditions as monsoon storms bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in significant power outages affecting thousands. High temperatures in Phoenix are expected to peak at 108º. Furthermore, a school bus crash in Pinal County injured around 30 students, raising health concerns linked to air quality exacerbated by the storms. Residents are urged to stay informed about the weather outlook and take necessary precautions as the storms continue to affect the region.
Phoenix
Arizona is experiencing increased storm activity as monsoon moisture envelops the state, bringing substantial rainfall, strong winds, and power outages. High temperatures in Phoenix are anticipated to peak at 108º today, contributing to a combination of extreme heat and severe weather conditions.
On Wednesday night, storms swept through various regions of Arizona, with some areas receiving nearly one inch of rainfall. As a result of the intense weather, over 5,000 customers of Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) lost power. Reports indicate that 3,300 customers in central and uptown Phoenix faced outages, while around 2,000 were affected in other regions.
In a separate incident, emergency crews responded to a school bus crash in Pinal County on State Route 347, south of Maricopa. A bus from Stanfield Elementary School District was involved, injuring approximately 30 students who were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. The details surrounding the accident are still under investigation.
Human Health and Safety Concerns
The ongoing storms have also raised concerns regarding air quality. The Kyrene School District reported that air quality measurements at Kyrene De La Sierra Elementary School revealed levels 28 times above the acceptable limits set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the tested classroom reached a concerning level of 14,000.
Consequences of Lightning Strikes
Additionally, lightning strikes from the storm ignited a palm tree, which subsequently spread flames to a nearby roof in central Phoenix, exacerbating the dangers posed by the severe weather.
Continued Weather Outlook
Looking ahead, further monsoon storms are forecasted to affect Arizona through the remainder of the workweek, with expectations of additional heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and blowing dust. A severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the West Valley was issued and expired at 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
As of 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, about 908 customers remained without power in the state, although it remains uncertain how many outages were directly related to the recent storms. Weather predictions indicate that temperatures will decrease to a range of 102-106 degrees across the lower deserts by Friday. Cooler temperatures are expected in the following days, although a warming trend will likely return next week.
Warnings and Precautions
The National Weather Service has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by rising storm chances due to persistent monsoon moisture, officially designating a “First Alert Weather Day” for Friday. Residents are reminded to take precautions against the risks associated with extreme heat and storm conditions, as forecasters have noted potential medical emergencies could arise from the combination of weather challenges.
With both climatic extremes and health hazards intertwined, Arizona residents are urged to stay informed and heed safety guidance to navigate the unpredictable weather patterns entering the region.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- ABC15
- Google Search: Arizona weather
- Phoenix New Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- AZ Family
- Google News: Arizona storms
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF 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.
