Dust, possible storms in the forecast for Phoenix area
Jul 22, 2019, 12:55 PM | Updated: 6:29 pm
PHOENIX — The Phoenix area will likely see blowing dust and possibly rain as soon as Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
A blowing dust advisory was issued for the Valley on Monday morning through 10 p.m. The weather service said winds could reach 35-55 mph, kicking up dust that could reduce visibility below 1 mile.
Along with the dust comes increased chances for rain, the first real shot at a monsoon storm so far this year, according to ABC 15 meteorologist Iris Hermosillo.
She said there was a 20% chance of storms on Monday and 30% chance Tuesday.
Later this afternoon and evening, the threat for a dust storm will increase as winds from distant thunderstorms become capable of generating blowing dust. The most likely location for dense blowing dust is in the brown shaded area. #azwx pic.twitter.com/CI5mscH7LG
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 22, 2019
“(Sunday) we had some storms south of the Valley, and so a lot of those clouds are left over from the activity we saw yesterday,” Hermosillo told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
“But it is a sign of what’s to come. So high pressure has set up near the Four Corners region, and that’s exactly where we need it to get that monsoon moisture flowing into our state.”
After the clouds thin out, the region will see a substantial increase in t-storm activity today. Most active areas will be east-central and southeast AZ. Lower deserts will mainly experience gusty winds and areas of blowing dust – but also isolated showers/storms. #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/oIRKm16dmF
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 22, 2019
South central Arizona will see elevated storm chances starting today. Blowing dust, gusty winds, & isolated flash flooding will be the biggest threats. In southwest Arizona & southeast California, storm chances will be lower & the biggest threat will be blowing dust. #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/DE4mW8FtD8
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 22, 2019
930p: Monsoon moisture finally moving into the deserts. Dying convective complex seen west of Phoenix sent rain-cooled outflow into Phoenix area raising dewpoints into low 60s. Big complex over NW Mexico will also send outflow/moisture northwestward into Arizona tonight. #azwx pic.twitter.com/zycGFuY1I4
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 22, 2019
Hermosillo said the dust will be of most concern during the evening commute, especially along the Interstate 10 corridor.
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She said thunderstorms could start in that area around 6 p.m. and possibly in the Phoenix area after 7 p.m.
But the increased moisture won’t necessarily mean cooler temperatures.
The high temperature for Monday was expected to hit 106 degrees with the rest of the week staying in the upper 100s, according to the National Weather Service.
