Tracking some nearby storms to kick off the week with cool and drier weather this week ahead
We are finally getting a break from the extreme heat! Temperatures will be trending near our seasonal averages as we wrap up August and begin September. I am tracking a great week ahead with big changes for the holiday weekend.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - We are finally getting a break from the extreme heat! Temperatures will be trending near our seasonal averages as we wrap up August and begin September.
But we do have some lingering monsoonal moisture, which is bringing in some severe storm activity in the area. Tracking multiple severe thunderstorms in La Paz County, including Quartzite. Heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds, lightning, and even hail have been recorded.
A Flood WATCH is issued north of Yuma, and it does include Quartzite. This Flood Watch is in effect until 8 pm TONIGHT.
There are a few Flash Flood Warnings in effect until 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM tonight for severe and destructive storms near and at the Quartzite area. Be safe and remember TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.
Yuma had a dust storm and strong winds moved through late this afternoon. The highest gust recorded was 40 MPH with winds coming from the south.
Take a look at this incredible shot of the wall of dust that moved in Yuma this late afternoon. Thank you to Betsy Burke for capturing and sharing this photo of the dust storm.
For the hours ahead, there is a chance for showers and storms this evening. We may get a light shower, and if a storm forms, it could bring heavy rain, flooding, and gusty winds.
Right now, more of the severe storms are favoring north and east of Yuma.
Thankfully, our ridge of high pressure that brought in the extreme heat all last week has weakened and moved out of the Desert Southwest.
Right now, we have a lower pressure system toward the west keeping our temperatures cooler and great.
However, there is some tropical moisture to the south that may bring in some additional clouds and humidity with higher storm chances later this week and into the holiday weekend.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: I am keeping an eye on Hurricane Karina. Karina upgraded into a hurricane over the weekend. And just this morning, Hurricane Karina intensified into a MAJOR Hurricane. Karina is at a CAT 4 with sustained winds of 145 MPH just this morning.
Karina's path is traveling north-northwest and isn't expected to make landfall in the United States. Karina is still nearby and could bring in some extra clouds and moisture in the coming days.
There are still lots of uncertainties, but it is something I will be tracking as it could bring higher chances of storms toward the end of the week and in for the holiday weekend.
Tracking another spot in the Pacific where a tropical storm may develop in the coming days. This is something I will be tracking and bringing updates on as well.
Tracking seasonable and slightly below normal temperatures all week long. It will be a great first week of September.
However, heading into the holiday weekend, I am tracking possible tropical moisture to bring in even cooler temperatures and higher storm chances for the holiday weekend and for Labor Day. I will keep tracking and have details as we get closer. Stay tuned!
