Monsoon Storms Return To Phoenix Tuesday Before Dangerous Heat Builds

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix could see one more round of monsoon storms Tuesday before the weather pattern shifts toward dangerous heat later this week, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms will remain possible Tuesday, especially across Arizona’s high terrain, with isolated storms also possible in the Phoenix area. The biggest concerns will be gusty winds, heavy rain and localized flooding.

An approaching weather system is expected to fuel another round of storms Tuesday afternoon and evening. While storms are expected to be strongest across eastern Arizona, forecasters said a more organized storm system could move into the lower deserts, including parts of Maricopa County.

Phoenix-area residents should mainly watch for strong outflow winds, with gusts between 35 and 50 mph possible Tuesday evening. Most locations are not expected to receive significant rainfall, though some areas could see measurable rain.

A Flood Watch remains in effect Tuesday afternoon through the evening across much of Arizona’s high terrain, where localized rainfall totals could exceed 2 inches.

By Wednesday, drier air moving into the region is expected to sharply reduce storm chances. Forecasters said monsoon activity will likely fade further by Thursday as the focus shifts from storms to extreme heat.

The National Weather Service said Extreme Heat Watches are in effect across the lower deserts later this week as hot and humid conditions build. Southeast California could begin seeing dangerous heat Wednesday, with heat index values expected to rise above 110 degrees in some areas.

Phoenix Offering Free Sand For Sandbags

With another round of storms possible Tuesday, the City of Phoenix is reminding residents that free sand is available at nine city parks for people preparing for possible flooding.

Residents can find sand at these locations:

• District 1: Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road
• District 2: Paradise Valley Park, 17642 N. 40th St.
• District 3: Moon Valley Park, 502 W. Coral Gables Drive
• District 4: Encanto Park Sports Complex, 2121 N. 15th Ave.
• District 5: El Oso Park, 3451 N. 75th Ave.
• District 6: Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St.
• District 7: Santa Maria Park, 3425 S. 71st Ave.
• District 8: The park at 35th Avenue and Baseline Road, 7858 S. 35th Ave.
• District 8: Esteban Park, 3345 E. Roeser Road

The sand is available at no cost, but residents must bring their own bags and shovels. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.

The latest weather comes during an active monsoon season that has already caused disruptions across the Phoenix area, including storm-related ground stops at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.