Arizona Watcher
Monsoon storms moved into parts of the Phoenix metro Saturday evening, advancing westward from higher terrain. Radar showed multiple cells east of the Valley; activity could continue into the evening, possibly until about 8 p.m.
National Weather Service updates warned of strong outflow boundaries and gusty conditions, reporting winds surging into lower elevations with gusts of 30–50 mph and rapidly changing conditions.
A special weather statement covered Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler through 4:45 p.m., as outflow-driven gusts pushed west ahead of storm cores, producing sudden winds, blowing dust and localized reduced visibility.
By 5:36 p.m. meteorologists said the outflow boundary was still surging west with expected gusts around 35–45 mph and potential for blowing dust, even as the immediate threat for new storms lessened.
At 4:32 p.m. a flash flood warning was issued for portions of Yavapai County through 7:30 p.m., listing locations such as Castle Hot Springs, Castle Creek Boat Ramp, Coles Bay and Humbug Bay due to heavy downpours and rapid runoff.
Forecasters emphasized radar signatures of outflow boundaries and noted winds could be locally stronger in corridors like the Salt River Valley; gusty winds, blowing dust and brief intense rain created rapidly changing conditions across the Valley.
Officials continued monitoring the monsoon line into the early evening as cells moved through surrounding areas; the flash flood warning remained in effect and activity could persist until around 8 p.m.
After the outflow passed, Phoenix Sky Harbor recorded a record warm low of 95°F for July 25. The storms lowered the day's near-117°F highs but kept overnight readings unusually warm.
Monsoon storms moved into parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area Saturday evening, producing gusty winds, blowing dust and pockets of rain. Officials issued a flash flood warning for portions of Yavapai County and warned of strong outflow-driven wind gusts across lower…