Phoenix is forecast to be mostly cloudy Saturday, but the dry desert script is about to get rewritten. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin Saturday afternoon and continue through the evening, with a high in the low to mid 90s. The bigger punch arrives Sunday, when storms, blowing dust and strong winds take over the forecast.
Saturday Storm Chances Build Around Midday
Showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin Saturday afternoon and continue through the evening, with chances rising to about 50% from noon through the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain; Saturday daytime rainfall totals are expected to stay below a tenth of an inch. Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel is helping turn a quiet-looking morning into an unsettled afternoon.
Sunday Brings A Wind Advisory And Blowing Dust
Sunday is the more disruptive day for Phoenix, with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, a high near 86, and south winds of 15 to 20 mph. Gusts could reach 40 mph in the regular forecast, while a National Weather Service Wind Advisory calls for gusts up to 50 mph from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; blowing dust could briefly cut visibility, especially in open desert areas. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be ready for crosswinds, and loose outdoor items should be secured before the wind arrives. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?map_x=219&map_y=193&site=psr&x=220&y=194&zmx=&zmy=&utm_source=openai))
Saturday night may stay active, with an 80% chance of storms and possible rainfall between a quarter and half an inch. The overnight low should hover near 73 degrees.
Cooler, Wetter Start To Next Week
Additional rain chances and below-normal temperatures are possible early in the week, followed by a cooler Tuesday near 76 when Phoenix is expected to be mainly dry. The pattern turns quieter Wednesday, when skies should be sunny and the high near 78.
