Arizona weather forecast: A chance for rain this weekend

PHOENIX - It was a cloudy and cooler start to the weekend with light rain moving into the Valley. 

This Weekend:

Sunday started off cloudy and rainy, but skies cleared through the afternoon, and temperatures climbed to 84 degrees in Phoenix. Rain accumulation was light, with only one-hundredth of an inch in most of the Valley. Even in the high country, the spots that received rain only picked up around a tenth of an inch. Spotty showers will continue in the high country on Sunday evening, and there may be more spotty rain across Arizona overnight.

Wind alerts across the state expired with lighter winds expected for the rest of the weekend. Temperatures were cooler and below-average with Phoenix hitting a high of 80 degrees. 

Upcoming Week:

Monday will be a partly cloudy day with a chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms across the state. Far western Arizona will stay mainly dry. The Valley may see a few showers throughout the day, with the best chance during the evening. Temperatures will warm up several degrees on Monday, and the Valley will see a high of 89 degrees.

Tuesday will be even warmer, with temperatures returning to the low 90s in the Valley. Isolated rain will be possible in the mountains of central, northern and southeast Arizona. 

A low pressure system off the coast of California will bring rain and wind to Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will cool back down as the system impacts the state, dropping as low as the 70s! .

Friday Recap:

Easterly winds under a cold front brought strong winds across the state, with parts of Phoenix hitting up to 40 mph wind gusts. High wind warnings in southeastern Arizona will remain until Saturday morning with wind gusts up to 75 mph possible.

Wind advisories in Phoenix have expired, with breezy winds expected for the start of this weekend. The strong winds have led to widespread haze and dust with a high pollution advisory in place for Pinal and Pima counties. Air quality in Phoenix was unhealthy for sensitive groups due to the blowing dust.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

What are Heat Emergencies?

Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps

Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin

Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious

What to do

• Get person into shade or cool location.
• Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body.
• Sip cool water if person is alert.
• For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed.
• *If symptoms worsen, call 911.

What not to do

• Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
• Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
• Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.

Know your limitations

• Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
• Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
• Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
• Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return.

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find a cooling center/hydration station.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
• Check the UV Index.
• Check the heat risk map.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

 

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

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