NWS Forecast Office Phoenix, AZ

A Blowing Dust Advisory has been issued for most of Pinal County and southern and western portions of Maricopa County from 5pm through 10pm MST tonight. Storms in SE AZ are expected to send a strong outflow boundary northward into south-central AZ. Gusty winds in excess of 35mph and visibilities under 1 mile are possible.

Another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms is expected on Thursday. Activity will again initially develop across the AZ higher terrain in E and SE AZ during the afternoon and early evening. Activity will then try and push into the lower deserts Thursday night. There is a 15-30% chance of storms surviving into the lower deserts. Once again strong winds (greater than 35mph) and areas of blowing dust causing reduced visibility will be the main concern. Frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall are also expected with any storms.

Strong high pressure over the Desert Southwest will lead to abnormally hot temperatures through the week with temperatures up to 5-7°F above average and Major HeatRisk across the lower deserts. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through Friday for the lower deserts of AZ and southeast CA along with the San Carlos area in southern Gila County.

Afternoon highs across the lower deserts will reach or exceed 110°F, several degrees above daily normals, through the weekend. Overnight lows in the 80s and lower 90s will be common, resulting in little relief. Areas of major HeatRisk will continue with Extreme Heat Warnings remaining in effect through Friday.