NWS Forecast Office Phoenix, AZ

Thunderstorm chances will increase Thursday into Friday with the most widespread chances expected on Friday across southcentral AZ. Some storms may become strong to severe Friday afternoon and evening. Rain chances will linger into this weekend, mainly over the AZ high terrain.

As a low pressure system moves inland over Southern California and strengthens late this week, chances for rain and strong afternoon/evening thunderstorms will increase. On Thursday, chances for thunderstorms are much better to the east and southeast of the Greater Phoenix Area, though gusty winds and blowing dust from not-so-distant storms are a concern. By Friday, better moisture and favorable dynamics from the low pressure system will bring more widespread chances for rain and strong to severe afternoon thunderstorms across South-Central AZ. Rain chances will linger into the weekend and even stretch into Southwest AZ and Southeast CA on Saturday. The main hazards from storms will be strong gusty winds, blowing dust, and 1"+ diameter hail. Thunderstorms will also be capable of producing heavy rain and flash flooding, particularly on Friday.