FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking rain and winds on this Thursday
Storm system #2 is here bringing more rain and very strong winds. I am tracking calmer, drier, and warmer for the weekend.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - A Pacific low pressure system #2 is here! This is the reason for the rain and winds impacting us here Desert Southwest today.
A Weather Authority First Alert ACTION DAY is in effect through TONIGHT due widespread showers, chance for thunderstorms, and strong winds. This could lead to impacts to our area like wet roads, minor flooding, dangerous lightning, and blowing dust from the winds.
TODAY'S WEATHER RECAP! We had rain, winds, and a big drop in our temperatures today. Take a look at our latest rain totals with what areas received measurable rain and how much across Yuma and Imperial Counties.
Most areas received a few hundredths of an inch while some were lucky to get a little over a tenth of an inch today. Regardless of the small amounts it is something, and still counts as measurable rainfall.
Plus, take a look at our wind and temperature reports for both Yuma and El Centro.
Yuma and El Centro had strong westerly winds with highest gusts of 44 MPH. Temperatures also took a big drop as we had highs in the mid and upper 60s, which we should is between 14 to 16 degrees below normal, the average for today's date is 80 degrees.
There is a Wind Advisory still in effect for the entire Desert Southwest as we will have strong southwesterly/west winds with wind gusts between 45-50 MPH.
This will stay in effect until 8 p.m. in Yuma and 10 p.m. TONIGHT for Imperial. Make sure to stay safe and drive with caution as widespread dust is expected.
Breezy and windy conditions will continue through the night, but winds will ease up overnight.
Winds will also be lighter for Friday, but it will be breezy with gusts 20-30 MPH.
Our main shower event was this morning and afternoon, there are small chances for showers to pop-up through tonight and even again tomorrow.
Also don't forget! TONIGHT is the Full Blood Moon and a view of the Total Lunar Eclipse. This is when the moon will be in the Earth's shadow, appearing reddish or orange.
But with all the active weather, we may or may not be able to get the best view. The best time to view in the Desert Southwest is from 8:57 pm MST tonight, and will last through 3:00 a.m. MST Friday, March 14th. This will last about 6 hours. Read more about when to see it here.
We will have chillier temperatures, breezy conditions, and slight rain chances for Friday, but the weekend we will have lighter winds, drier, conditions, and warming temperatures.
It will be a breezy start with a few clouds to start the week, but more sunshine and warmer temperatures are expected to kick off the first day of Spring.
