Phoenix/ Weather & Environment

From Flood to Fry: Phoenix Braces for Flash Deluge Before Triple-Digit Heat Returns

AI Assisted Icon
Published on September 16, 2026
From Flood to Fry: Phoenix Braces for Flash Deluge Before Triple-Digit Heat ReturnsSource: Google Street View

Wednesday could be a dangerous day of thunderstorms. Showers and storms are expected across the city, with some capable of producing heavy rain and sudden flooding. The forecast calls for a notable break from the triple-digit heat returning later this week.

The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in effect through 11 p.m. Wednesday for Maricopa County and much of south-central Arizona. The watch covers possible flash flooding in normally dry washes, streams, low-lying areas and other flood-prone locations, with storms potentially producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms are expected across the area through Wednesday evening, with additional showers and thunderstorms possible. Some storms could bring moderate to heavy rainfall and flooding.

Heavy Rain Could Linger Into Wednesday Evening

Storms may occur across the area through Wednesday evening. Wednesday night stays mostly cloudy, with a low near 76 and a smaller chance of showers before drier weather begins to take over.

Drivers should avoid crossing flooded roads or washes, even if the water appears shallow. Runoff can rise quickly during desert storms, and the Flood Watch means residents in vulnerable areas should be ready to move to higher ground if warnings are issued.

Triple-Digit Heat Returns By The Weekend

Phoenix turns sunny Thursday with a high near 93, then warms to about 99 on Friday. The rain threat is expected to fade by Friday as much drier air settles in, setting up a quiet, mostly dry weekend with highs of 102 to 105 degrees.

The atmosphere is expected to dry out.