Phoenix saw a batch of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms move into the metro Tuesday morning, with temperatures near 72 degrees. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Tuesday evening as heavy downpours could cause flooding in washes, low-lying areas and other flood-prone spots.
The wettest part of the day is expected during the morning commute, especially from about 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., when storms could produce brief heavy rain and sharply reduced visibility. The latest outlook from the National Weather Service in Phoenix calls for rainfall rates close to 2 inches per hour in the strongest cells, with 1 to 2 inches possible in higher terrain east of the city.
Rain Eases, But Flood Risk Lingers
Tuesday will stay unusually cool for late September, with a high near 80 degrees and temperatures slipping toward the upper 70s during the afternoon. Showers should become less widespread after late morning, but isolated thunderstorms may continue into the afternoon and evening, with a rain shower possible at both 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The updated forecast is a wetter and more immediate turn than the storm outlook published Monday by Hoodline. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and never cross running water, while residents near washes and low spots should be ready for quickly changing conditions.
Sunny Skies Return Wednesday
Wednesday brings lingering clouds and well-below-normal temperatures in the south-central Arizona lower deserts, including Phoenix, after a low around 65 Tuesday night. Dry weather then takes over, with temperatures trending higher Thursday through Saturday.
Overnight temperatures will gradually rise from the mid-60s Wednesday night to the mid-70s early next week.
