Arizona weather forecast: Rain chances increase throughout this week in Phoenix

PHOENIX - Big changes throughout the week as monsoonal moisture makes a return.

Today:

Temperatures were hot and near-normal Monday afternoon, with highs around 109 degrees.

Showers and thunderstorms are moving southwest over the Four Corners and the Rim. As those storms track southwest, outflow winds from the storms may bring erratic wind gusts to the Valley this evening. There is a low chance that we could see a storm or two making it all the way to the east Valley during the evening and overnight hours.

Tomorrow:

On Tuesday, temperatures will start out in the upper 80s and highs will be a couple of degrees cooler, around 107 degrees. We will see mostly sunny skies in the Valley, with more haze. The monsoon will bring more mountain storms to the eastern half of Arizona on Tuesday. Storm activity will also increase in the southern deserts, including Pinal County, and southeastern AZ. The Valley should stay mostly dry.

Later This Week:

The better rain chances will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday. We could see rain in the Valley as early as Wednesday morning. A push of monsoon moisture will bring heavier storms to the mountains as well, creating a threat of flash flooding.

Temperatures will stay cooler than normal mid-week, thanks to this increase in clouds and moisture.

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.

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)
• az511.com

Driving in extreme temperatures

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s tips for driving in extreme temperatures include: 

Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.

Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat.

Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.

Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn’t working, roll down all windows.

Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets’ paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire. 

Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout.

MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather

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