The National Weather Service (NWS) reported a dust storm warning for the Interstate 10 corridor near Phoenix, Mesa, and Casa Grande effective until 6:30 p.m., alongside a severe thunderstorm warning extending through Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley until 7 p.m. As the monsoon season continues, the region saw some of the rare monsoon rainfall, though limited compared to normal seasonal expectations.
Strong Winds and Dust Storms Disrupt Evening Traffic
The evening brought challenging driving conditions as dust began swirling around 5:15 p.m. on the Loop 101 in Scottsdale. The NWS highlighted that several areas, including Gold Canyon and Chandler Heights, experienced increasing dust. Winds up to 60 mph slammed portions of Fountain Hills, creating dangerously low visibility and prompting warnings for commuters.
Key impacts included:
- Dust storm warnings on Interstate 10 near Phoenix–Mesa and Casa Grande until 6:30 p.m.
- Strong winds up to 60 mph affecting eastern parts of the Valley.
- Reduced visibility due to dust invading the eastern Phoenix metro areas.
Meteoexpert Erica Horveteen from Fox 10 News described the violent weather moving into the East Valley, noting wind gusts in Mesa already reaching 21 mph and expected to increase. She affirmed,
“We will end up seeing some rain along with gusty winds and the potential for some blowing dust as well.”
Rainfall Totals Highlight Sparse Monsoon Season
The storms delivered modest but noteworthy rainfall across the Valley, with Greater Scottsdale recording 0.47 inches near Pinnacle Peak by 7:22 p.m. Other measurable amounts included:
- 0.43 inches at Cline Creek north of Anthem
- 0.20 inches at Phoenix’s Gateway Community College
- 0.08 inches at Mesa’s Falcon Field and Cesar Chavez in south Phoenix
Western Valley cities such as Glendale and Buckeye reported no measurable rainfall. Despite this rain, Phoenix’s overall monsoon precipitation remains considerably below normal. As of August 29th, the metro area had accumulated only 0.5 inches of rain since monsoon season began on June 15, whereas typical seasonal precipitation by this time averages about 1.5 inches.
Shifting Weather Patterns and Upcoming Forecast
Arizona Weather Force’s Master General Meteorologist Raiden Storm highlighted that storms forming over the Mogollon Rim and Prescott region would send strong outflow winds downhill toward metropolitan Phoenix and surrounding areas like Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley. These outflow winds and dust are expected to reduce visibility, impacting travel and outdoor activities such as BBQs.
Looking ahead, the weather pattern will evolve with the arrival of monsoonal moisture from a tropical storm moving onshore from Mexico, bringing increased chances of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms later this week. Temperatures are forecasted to gradually cool, dropping into the 90s by the weekend after Labor Day’s high reached around 106 degrees.
Highlights for the upcoming days include:
- Isolated thunderstorms today and tomorrow, mainly during late afternoons and evenings
- Dust storm potential especially tonight and tomorrow night
- Temperatures cooling into the 90s by Friday through the weekend
- Increased rain chances Thursday and Friday due to moisture from a tropical storm
Raiden Storm added,
“Hit and miss thunderstorms are expected, with additional dust storms or gusty winds likely reducing visibility on travel.”
More updates and detailed forecasts can be found through the original reporting at Arizona Weather Force.
Community Preparedness and Safety Considerations
With the unpredictable nature of monsoonal weather, local authorities and meteorologists remind residents to take precautions:
- Avoid travel during dust storms to prevent accidents caused by low visibility
- Secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds
- Prepare for possible power outages due to gusty winds and lightning
- Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day before storms develop
The severe weather serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often hazardous monsoon season in the Phoenix area and greater Arizona.
What Do You Think About the Storms?
Have you experienced the recent dust storms and thunderstorms in the Phoenix Valley? How have the gusty winds and rain affected your plans this week? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
