Arizona Storms Return With Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds

Phoenix, Arizona – Isolated thunderstorms could reach the lower deserts Wednesday and Thursday, bringing pockets of heavy rain, blowing dust and gusty winds.

According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, daily shower and thunderstorm chances return to the higher terrain of eastern Arizona Tuesday afternoon and evening before expanding west during the week.

Storm chances across higher elevations will range from 10% to 50%, gradually increasing as the week progresses. The Weather Service expects isolated to occasionally scattered coverage in those areas.

For the lower deserts of south-central Arizona, including the broader Phoenix region, shower and thunderstorm chances range from 10% to 30% Wednesday and Thursday.

Individual thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds. Blowing dust may also develop in localized areas, potentially reducing visibility on desert highways and other exposed roads.

Drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility where dust develops and avoid driving through flooded roadways if heavy rain covers low-lying routes. People with outdoor plans should also have a way to receive weather updates and move indoors when lightning approaches.

The Weather Service categorizes the overall expected impact level as minor, but thunderstorms can create more significant conditions in isolated locations. Rain and wind effects will depend on where individual storms develop.

Daily shower and thunderstorm opportunities continue through Friday in the outlook, with the higher terrain of eastern Arizona retaining the greater chances. For the Phoenix-area lower deserts, Wednesday and Thursday are the key periods to monitor as storm chances spread westward.