FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking winds and dust today plus cooler temps and showers through Friday
This current storm system is bringing winds, dust, cooler temps, and rain chances through Friday for the Desert Southwest.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - Due to the strong winds and dust I am issuing a Weather Authority First Alert ACTION DAY for today for the Desert Southwest.
We will have strong west winds over 35-45 MPH which will lead to widespread blowing dust and unhealthy air quality.
A Wind Advisory is still in effect for the southwest corner of Imperial County and it does include Ocotillo until 10 p.m. (PST) tonight for strong west winds with gusts up to 58 MPH.
An Air Quality Alert is also in effect for the majority of Imperial County until midnight (PST) Friday due to the winds producing widespread dust.
It's been a pretty breezy and windy day! Gustier winds took place in Imperial County, just take a look at our highest wind gusts and speeds recorded this afternoon.
Breezy and occasionally windy conditions will carry through the night with gusts 35-40 MPH still being expected.
Winds will be lighter for Friday, but it will still be breezy.
I am tracking rain chances on tonight and into Friday morning, with the greatest chance for heavier and more widespread rain is looking early Friday morning.
Any rain accumulation is looking very little for most areas. Right now, it's looking less than a tenth of an inch.
DROUGHT UPDATE: Our latest Drought monitor is now showing EXCEPTIONAL conditions in parts of La Paz, which is that dark maroon color and the highest on our drought chart.
As of this week, about 7% of the state of Arizona is experiencing exceptional drought and 55% of the state is under extreme drought, which is up 3% compared to last week.
Read more about Arizona and California drought conditions by clicking the links.
After this next storm system moves out for the weekend, a ridge of high pressure will build resulting in warmer and drier weather.
I am tracking another weather disturbance by next week that will bring back rain chances, winds, and cooler temperatures.
