Arizona weather forecast: Upper 70s expected with slim rain chances

PHOENIX - It's looking great across the region, setting up what will be a pretty good weekend.

Weekend overview:

There is a slim chance of a shower on Saturday, but that remains a day away. Looking at Flagstaff, conditions are beautiful, and all of Arizona has finished the week on a quiet note after experiencing a couple of active weather days.

For those heading into the mountains for the weekend in Flagstaff, Saturday brings another chance for showers. That potential extends beyond Flagstaff into Arizona as well, with about a 10% or 20% possibility for rain.

Outdoor plans do not need to be canceled for the next couple of days, whether traveling in the Rim Country or in the White Mountains.

Everyone has an opportunity to see midday, mid-afternoon, to late-afternoon showers. Some of those showers could be a bit stronger across Navajo and Apache counties, but overall, conditions will be relatively nice compared to recent days. Sunday is shaping up to be a beautiful day.

Rain chances & timing:

Temperatures across Arizona will top out in the upper 70s on Saturday, offering a great way to spend the day.

In terms of rain and cloud development, current radar and satellite views show skies that are about as clear as can be. Moving into Saturday around noon, clouds will begin building in alongside widely scattered showers. Widespread coverage like the state experienced earlier in the week is not expected.

However, as the system lifts to the north and east through the afternoon, periods of very heavy rainfall could develop for Flagstaff, all along the Interstate 40 corridor, and continuing northward. Residents do not need to cancel plans, but having a secondary plan in place is advised through the afternoon and evening hours.

By Sunday, bright sunshine returns. Conditions show clear skies all over, as the heavy weather has pushed eastward into New Mexico.

Across Arizona and beyond, conditions have remained pleasant. Winds have been gusty in the mountains, including a 30 mph gust recorded in Show Low, which marked the peak speed.

Flash flood warning:

A flash flood warning remains in effect until midnight Saturday night or early Sunday morning for the Little Colorado River.

Washes and small streams flowing into the Little Colorado River are pushing water over its banks. Drivers are advised to watch out for low-water crossings and avoid driving into flooded areas, as hazards beneath the surface cannot be seen.

Temperature trends:

A typical high temperature for this time of year is 87 degrees, making a high around 77 degrees a pleasant way to roll through Saturday.

Overnight low temperatures will dip to 42 degrees in Window Rock, 62 degrees in Yuma, and about 44 degrees in Kayenta. Saturday temperatures continue to look favorable across the region heading into the extended 10-day stretch, with daytime highs remaining pleasant.

A slight warm-up arrives Monday, Tuesday, and beyond. Looking ahead to next weekend, temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, with another chance for showers arriving next week.

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.

Watch live: FOX Weather

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