Arizona weather forecast: Rain, flash flood threat moving in for the weekend

Storms are about to ramp up in Arizona

FOX 10's Erica Horvatin has the latest on a storm heading for Arizona that's expected to bring widespread rain this Halloween weekend.

PHOENIX - Wednesday was another beautiful day across Arizona.

Temperatures were near-normal across the state, and Phoenix reached a high of 84 degrees. High clouds moved in over the state, and skies will be partly to mostly cloudy overnight. Temperatures will stay a little warmer than normal, thanks to the clouds. Phoenix will cool to a low of 64 degrees.

What to Expect:

Thursday will be a mostly cloudy day for Arizona, and temperatures will go unchanged from today. Phoenix will warm to around 84 degrees. Skies will stay dry during the day, with a slight chance for a couple of storms in far south central Arizona during the evening and overnight.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms will begin by Friday morning across the state, and Friday will be a wet day. Heavy downpours and flash flooding will be possible, along with some thunderstorms. Most of the rain should move out by Saturday morning, leaving Halloween day drier with a high of 79 degrees in Phoenix.

Halloween Weather:

On Halloween, isolated showers may be possible. At this time, showers look most possible during the morning, with a drier afternoon and early evening. The rain will become widespread again Saturday night, likely after 8 p.m.

Scattered showers and storms will be possible throughout the overnight hours and much of Sunday. Flash flooding will remain a moderate threat across the state.

Temperatures will stay much cooler, with low 70s in Phoenix.

Arizona weather: Storms and rain moving in

Scattered storms and rain will sweep across Arizona, bringing cooler temperatures and flood concerns.

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.