Arizona’s Wild Weather Week: Storms, Heat, and How to Stay Safe (Explained Simply)

What Happened on Monday and What’s Coming Tonight

On Monday, the temperatures across Arizona were about what you’d normally expect for this time of year (not too hot or cold). In the afternoon, some rain clouds with thunder (we call these "thunderstorms") popped up in the mountainous parts of the state.

In northern Arizona, some big storms caused flash flood warnings. Think of a flash flood like a sudden rush of water that can happen super fast. These warnings were set to stop (expire) later in the evening.

Around 5:30 PM, some strong thunderstorms moved through places called Florence and Kearny. They brought:

• Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour (that’s like a very strong fan blowing)
• Small hail (tiny ice balls)
• Heavy rain and lightning

Tonight (the same day as the report):
Storms might still happen in the "Valley" (that’s the Phoenix area, also called Valley of the Sun) during the evening. They could bring strong winds, small hail, and maybe some dust flying around (a dust storm).

Important: All these storms should finish up by about 10 PM in the Valley and everywhere else in Arizona.

Tomorrow’s Weather (Tuesday)

Overnight, the sky will become clear. Tuesday will start with sunshine and temperatures around the upper 80s°F (about 88–89 degrees) in the Valley.

By 2 PM, storms will start forming over the mountains again. They will then move toward the southwest during the afternoon and evening.

• More sudden flooding (flash flooding) is likely in the mountains.
• All storms could have strong winds, lightning, and blowing dust.

Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Week

The same pattern (sunny mornings, afternoon mountain storms) will repeat each day through the weekend. The days with the most storms will probably be Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures will slowly go down by the end of the week. In the Valley, they’ll only reach the low 100s°F (around 100–102 degrees) during the day, and at night they’ll be in the 80s°F.

There is also a video called "Chance for rain throughout the week for AZ" that says parts of the state could see rain all week, and it mentions expecting "double-digit temperatures" later this week. (Note: The written forecast says low 100s, which are three-digit numbers, but we are just sharing what the video described.)

How to Keep Up with the Weather

You can always check the latest weather by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page or by downloading the free FOX 10 Weather app for Apple iOS and Android.

If you scroll down the original page, you can find pictures and tools for:

• Satellite and radar (maps showing clouds and rain)
• Day planner (hourly weather)
• Records (past weather facts)
• Current temperatures
• 10-day forecast
• Forecast highs
• Recent rainfall totals
• Live video feeds

Understanding Heat Emergencies (From Scottsdale Fire Department)

When it gets hot, our bodies can get sick. Here are three levels of heat trouble:

Types of Heat Emergencies

• Heat Cramps: Lots of sweating, feeling very tired, super thirsty, and muscles cramping (tightening).
• Heat Exhaustion: Headache, feeling dizzy, weak, sick to stomach (nausea/vomiting), and skin that feels cool and moist.
• Heat Stroke: This is very serious. Body temperature goes above 103°F, person may be confused or act strangely, skin is dry/hot, breathing is fast and shallow, pulse is fast but weak, they might have seizures or pass out.

What to Do If Someone Has Heat Trouble

Follow these steps in order:

1. Get the person into shade or a cool place.
2. Cool them with cool, wet cloths on neck, groin, armpits, and head, and fan their body.
3. If they are awake and alert, let them sip cool water.
4. If they have muscle cramps, gently but firmly massage the muscles until they relax.
5. If symptoms get worse, call 911 right away.

Important Callout: Never wait if heat stroke signs appear—call for help!

What Not to Do

• Do not give food or water by mouth if the person is throwing up, can’t swallow, or is unconscious.
• Do not underestimate how serious a heat emergency can be.
• Do not skip prevention/preparation for hiking or exercise in heat (see tips below).

Know Your Limitations (Before Hiking or Exercising in Heat)

• Hydrate: Drink water starting the day before, one hour before, during, and after.
• Wear light-weight, light-colored clothes, protect your head, wear good shoes.
• Always carry a cell phone and try to hike with a friend.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke (Arizona Department of Health Services)

To avoid getting sick from heat:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find a cooling center/hydration station (places to cool off and get water).
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
• Check on friends, family, and neighbors who are at risk at least twice a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
• Check the UV Index (how strong the sun’s rays are).
• Check the heat risk map.

Road Conditions

If you need to know about roads:

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).

Rain and Flood Safety Tips (American Red Cross)

When heavy rain and flooding happen:

• Turn around, don’t drown! If you are driving and see a flooded road, turn around and go another way.
• If you are stuck in a car with rapidly rising water, get out quickly and go to higher ground.
• Listen to local radio, NOAA weather radio (a special radio from the weather experts), or news for updates.
• If your area floods often, be ready to leave fast.
• Follow evacuation orders; don’t go back until officials say it’s safe.
• If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Don’t use candles or open flames.

Important: It takes less than 10 inches of flowing water to wash a car away!

Preparing for a Severe Thunderstorm (American Red Cross)

Get ready before big storms:

• Put together an emergency kit (supplies).
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Make a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Buy a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Talk with your family about thunderstorm safety; remember storms can cause floods.
• Pick a safe room in your home with no windows, skylights, or glass doors.

Be Prepared and Stay Safe During the Monsoon (Glendale Fire Department)

Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department says: "Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas."
(The "monsoon" is the rainy season in Arizona summer when these storms are common.)

The Glendale Fire Department reminds us to:

• Have flashlights with extra batteries.
• Have food that doesn’t need cooking or fridge.
• Have at least one gallon of clean water per person.
• Have backup power for medical devices.
• Have backup power for cell phones (like a power bank).
• Have a first aid kit ready.
• Never drive into flowing water; less than 10 inches can wash a car away.
• Avoid flooded areas like washes (dry river beds that fill with water).
• If water rises, go to higher ground.
• Do not go near downed power lines; ground can be electrified up to 200 feet around.
• Keep pets indoors during storms.

Important: Downed power lines can secretly electrify the ground far away—stay far back!

Summary

• Arizona had near-normal temps Monday with mountain thunderstorms; northern AZ had flash flood warnings; severe storms hit Florence/Kearny at 5:30 PM with 60 mph winds, hail, rain.
• Tonight: Possible Valley storms with wind/hail/dust, ending by 10 PM.
• Tuesday: Sunny start, upper 80s, mountain storms by 2 PM moving southwest, flash floods possible.
• Week: Repeat pattern, worst Thursday/Friday, temps drop to low 100s daytime, 80s nights.
• Stay cool: Know heat emergency signs and what to do.
• Be safe in floods: Turn around don’t drown, avoid downed lines.
• Prepare for thunderstorms and monsoon with kits, water, flashlights.
• Check FOX 10 weather resources for live info.

FAQ

1. What is a "Valley" in Arizona weather talks?
It’s short for the Phoenix metropolitan area, often called the Valley of the Sun.

2. What does "flash flood warning" mean?
It means a sudden, fast flood of water is happening or will happen very soon in that area, so move to safe ground.

3. What should I do if I feel heat cramps?
Get to shade, cool off, sip water, and gently massage the cramped muscles. If it gets worse, call 911.

4. Why shouldn’t I drive through flooded roads?
Even less than 10 inches of moving water can sweep your car away, and water may hide dangers or downed power lines.

5. What is the monsoon?
In Arizona, it’s a season (usually summer) when thunderstorms and rain come often, bringing strong winds, dust, and flooding.

Source: Information for this article was gathered by the FOX 10 Weather Experts. Original tags: Weather Forecast, Phoenix, News.