FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking Tropical Storm Rachel heading to the area to bring rain and winds this weekend
Tropical Storm Rachel is heading our way this weekend, which is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds. Weather Authority First Alert Action Days are issued Saturday evening through Sunday for the Desert Southwest.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - An Extreme Heat WARNING is in effect until 8 pm TONIGHT for parts of the Desert Southwest, but includes Yuma and El Centro for well-above-normal temperatures.
A Weather Authority First Alert Action Day is still in place and is set to expire for the above-normal heat at 8 pm tonight.
We have a big weather pattern change as a lower pressure system will steer in tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Rachel right into the Desert Southwest this weekend.
TRACKING RACHEL: Tropical Storm Rachel has shifted slightly more west, but is still moving to the Desert Southwest and will bring heavy rain and high winds to the Desert Southwest this weekend.
This type of event to get a tropical storm making landfall in Arizona, is very rare. In, fact the last time a tropical storm reached landfall in Arizona was Tropical Storm Nora back in 1997. And there has only been 8 tropcial storms recorded in history in the United States.
With this active and wetter weather pattern on the way, I am issuing Weather Authority First Alert Action Days Saturday evening-Sunday.
LOOKING AHEAD: I am tracking showers as early as Saturday, but the best and wettest opportunity is favoring Sunday. Lingering showers are still possible even into early next week.
On our futuretrack hour-by-hour, the heaviest rain is expected to arrive Saturday night-Sunday.
There is chance for scattered and isolated thunderstorms in the area and with that comes heavier rain and flooding risk.
Right now, rain estimates are trending between a tenth and three-quarters of an inch in most areas. But some areas could even receive an inch or higher. Higher amounts are also expected in thunderstorms.
Remember if we get significant flooding in the area remember to get to higher ground, don't drive or walk in flooded areas and remember TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.
High winds are also expected this weekend, and A Wind Advisory is issued for the Desert Southwest. This will go in place 2 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday for south winds with winds of 20-30 MPH and gusts up to 45 MPH expected. Higher gusts between 50-60 MPH is also possible.
Take a look at our futuretrack winds gusts across the Desert Southwest. You can see the intense winds that will be moving overnight.
This could bring difficult driving conditions, especially for larger vehicles, and very unhealthy air quality.If you encounter any of these conditions, remember to PULL ASIDE-STAY ALIVE!
With the intense and high winds that are expected, there is a small/slight chance for tornadoes. Chances aren't high, but there is a chance of one or two that may be possible.
With the expected severe weather, it is super important to be prepared and alert! While you have time, make sure you and your family have everything you need to protect yourselves and your home. Local sandbag stations are also being offered.
Be alert and storm-ready!
With this significant weather moving in from Tropical Storm Rachel, Weather Authority First Alert Action Days will go into effect Saturday evening through Sunday. Showers are still possible through Tuesday.
But we are in for a huge cool down. Highs will dip into the upper 70s and overnight lows in the low 60s and even upper 50s by early next week.
