Thunderstorms develop in Valley ahead of expected heavier monsoon activity

Thunderstorms developed in the Valley Wednesday evening ahead of heavier monsoon activity that was expected to hit the area Thursday.

The National Weather Service for Phoenix said that winds and possible blowing dust were expected to accompany the storms as they made their way southwest through the Phoenix metro.

 

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A dust storm warning was issued in Pinal County as the Arizona Department of Transportation said the winds kicked up walls of dust on Interstate 10 near Casa Grande and Picacho Peak.

The scattered weather activity started earlier in the day in northern Arizona before making its way into the Valley.

NWS’ radar showed the storms entering the Cave Creek and Fountain Hills areas around 6 p.m.

The weather authority issued special weather statements for Phoenix, Paradise Valley and communities in the East Valley due to winds of up to 40 mph.

NWS said the storms had moved west of Phoenix by 8 p.m. and activity was concentrated in the south and west.

Rainfall amounts from the thunderstorms seemed to be sporadic around the Valley as the Maricopa County Interactive Rainfall Data Map showed central Phoenix getting 0.43 inches of rain, Buckeye being hit with 0.51 inches, Fountain Hills receiving 0.08 inches and Queen Creek being sprinkled with 0.04 inches as of 9 p.m.

NWS meteorologist Chris Kuhlman told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday that Thursday’s weather disturbance could cause a flood watch due to the expected heavy rainfall.

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