Flood watch and dust advisory start the week

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for both Yuma County and Imperial County through Monday night as strong storms move into the region.

Forecasters say widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, with the potential for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, gusty winds, and blowing dust.

Some storms could train over the same area, quickly dropping one to two inches of rain in spots.

A Blowing Dust Advisory is also in effect Monday afternoon for portions of Yuma County, with visibility expected to drop during strong outflow winds.

The unsettled weather pattern may continue into Tuesday, although storm chances depend on how much activity develops Monday. Areas that don't see significant rainfall this evening could see stronger storms on Tuesday.

Temperatures will trend down this week. Highs are expected to reach the upper 90s to near 100 Tuesday, dropping below normal for late August.

By midweek, drier conditions return with only limited storm chances before hotter weather builds back in by the weekend.

Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert and avoid driving through flooded roadways.