NWS Forecast Office Phoenix, AZ

A weather disturbance over Western TX and NM will allow for better coverage of thunderstorms today across the region and especially by tonight for the South-Central AZ lower deserts. Abundant moisture will overspread the region, and thunderstorm hazards are expected to transition from severe winds & dust to primarily flash flooding. Shower/storm activity is likely to peak during the evening and overnight hours and quite possibly into Friday morning.

A Flood Watch is in effect for Maricopa County, Northwest Pinal County and Southern Gila County from 2 PM MST this afternoon through 5 AM MST Friday morning. Widespread 0.50"-1.00" are expected with locally higher amounts 2" or greater with storms. Rainfall rates may reach 2-3"/hr with some of the strongest cells.

High pressure aloft, high humidity levels, and mostly sunny skies will allow for above normal temperatures the next few days for portions of Southwest AZ and Southeast CA. Overnight lows in the 80s will be common through Thursday morning in some of the hottest areas. The high humidity will make afternoon highs feel hotter than the actual air temperatures, with Heat Indices forecast upwards of 110° to as much as 120° in the Imperial Valley. An Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect through 8 PM MST/PDT this evening.

Near to above normal temperatures today will drop below normal areawide tomorrow and well below normal in some places across South-Central AZ due to anticipated widespread rainfall and cloud cover. Gradual warming over the weekend into early next week is expected.