Monsoon season continues with daily thunderstorms resulting in flash flooding, dust storms, lightning and burn scar damage. With no major change to the pattern ahead, we can expect much of the same through the rest of August.
Flooding Concern
Try not to curse the rain too much, the moisture is essential for preventing drought into the winter months and putting us behind schedule for annual precipitation. We still have many areas in the Southwest that cannot combat drought with the monsoon season alone, especially in Utah and Nevada, where we will have to wait until the winter months to make a true dent in the ongoing drought. Rainfall the next few days is expected to be scattered, but locally heavy in a few areas. Some spots could see 1″ to 3″.
Flood Alerts are in place for where we see the heaviest rainfall and over recent area burn scars. These alerts stretch across through Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico and California. Flash Flood Warnings will be possible as more rain and storm activity develops through the weekend.
The timing of the storms the next few days will be during the afternoon and evening hours, using the heat of the day to fire up storms and create locally heavy rainfall. Not everyone will see a storm, but those who do also have the risk of lightning that could start additional fires through dry grasses and brush. Hilly terrain can enhance flood concerns where heavy downpours fall, as it funnels the rain into washes and gullies.
TODAY
Little change will be seen into this weekend as the monsoonal pattern remains active. Excessive rainfall will remain possible across portions of the Four Corners and Southwest today as storms once again develop in the heat of the day around the same areas.
Sunday
Heavy rain will redevelop in many of the same locations Sunday, leading to elevated flood potential through the darker green highlighted areas.
If water starts rising where you are, seek higher ground immediately! Remember to always turn around and don’t drown.
For more on the monsoon season, join WeatherNation for the Western Regional forecast at :50 past the hour.