Phoenix residents should prepare for a wet weekend as a series of storms rolls in, bringing rain, thunder, and flood warnings.
Key points
- Friday’s storms caused temporary ground stops at Sky Harbor International Airport.
- Flood Watches are active Friday and again Saturday night into early Monday.
- Sunday could see up to two inches of rain in the Valley, heightening flood risk.
- Dry conditions are expected to resume on Monday and last into next week.
Friday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day, with the National Weather Service indicating high chances of rain and thunderstorms across the Phoenix metro area, according to AZFamily.
Around 9 a.m., morning rain and low cloud ceilings forced a ground stop for arriving flights at Sky Harbor International Airport; the stop was lifted at about 9:45 a.m., but a second ground stop was issued at roughly 11:15 a.m.
Friday's Storms Disrupt Airport
The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms persisting through the evening, peaking late morning to early afternoon, with expected rainfall of half an inch to an inch and the potential for damaging winds and quarter‑sized hail. Temperatures are projected to reach the mid‑70s, and a Flood Watch is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday morning should stay dry with a high near 79 °F under mostly cloudy skies, but rain chances rise in the evening. A new Flood Watch begins at 11 p.m. Saturday and runs until 5 a.m. Monday, as widespread showers are expected Saturday night through Sunday, with a 90 % chance of rain on Sunday.
Weekend Rain Outlook
Sunday’s rain could produce totals of up to two inches in parts of the Valley and even higher amounts at higher elevations, raising flooding concerns after Friday’s saturated ground. A few thunderstorms may also develop in the afternoon.
Dry weather is forecast to return on Monday and continue through the following week, offering a brief respite after the weekend’s wet spell.
Reader questions
When was the airport ground stop lifted on Friday?
The initial ground stop was canceled around 9:45 a.m., though a second stop was issued at about 11:15 a.m., according to the AZFamily report.
How much rain is expected on Sunday?
The forecast calls for rainfall totals of up to two inches in parts of the Valley, with higher elevations potentially receiving more.
What are the temperature expectations for the weekend?
Friday’s highs are expected in the mid‑70s, Saturday’s high near 79 °F, and trick‑or‑treating temperatures on Saturday night in the low 70s.
Source: azfamily.com
