Tucson is heading into a stormy Friday, with showers and thunderstorms expected to become more widespread this afternoon before a much wetter system arrives Sunday. The unsettled stretch will bring cooler temperatures, gusty storm winds and a serious flood concern across the metro area.
Early Friday was mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-60s, but the forecast calls for a high near 81 before readings slide into the upper 60s later in the afternoon. The National Weather Service Tucson says storms could bring heavy rain, hail and strong, erratic wind gusts.
Friday Storms Build Through The Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible through the morning, with the most widespread activity expected from the afternoon into Friday evening. Additional showers and thunderstorms are forecast Friday night, when rain chances rise to about 70%; southeast winds around 8 mph could become gusty near thunderstorms.
Friday night stays unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms likely before early Saturday morning and a low near 59. The rain may ease for a time Saturday, when Tucson is expected to reach about 78 degrees under mostly sunny skies before storm chances return after 5 p.m.
Flood Watch Covers Saturday Night Through Sunday
The key update to Hoodline's earlier forecast is a Flood Watch now covering Tucson and much of Southeast Arizona from 11 p.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Monday. Forecasters say excessive rain could cause flooding in washes, low-water crossings, poor-drainage areas and parts of the urban valley.
Sunday is expected to be the wettest day, with widespread rain and embedded thunderstorms, a high near 71 and a near-certain chance of precipitation. Rainfall could total roughly one-half inch to 1 inch in valley areas, with higher amounts possible in the mountains, where runoff may increase flows in washes and rivers.
Cooler, Drier Weather Arrives Monday
Showers may linger Monday morning before skies turn mostly sunny, with a high near 70. The forecast then improves sharply: Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high near 73, while Wednesday is expected to be sunny, with highs in the upper 70s and little chance of rain.
Residents should avoid driving through flooded roads or low-water crossings and should keep an eye on updated alerts through the weekend. Even a short, heavy downpour can quickly turn normally dry washes and dips into dangerous moving water.
