FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking weekend storms and strong gusty winds
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Rachel are moving into the Desert Southwest this weekend, bringing chances for showers and thunderstorms, strong winds and a significant cooldown across Yuma and Imperial Counties.
Weather Authority First Alert Action Days remain in effect through the weekend as unsettled weather moves into the region, with the greatest concern for gusty winds on Sunday and periods of rain and thunderstorms through early next week.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible across the region this afternoon, but rain chances increase tonight as moisture associated with Rachel moves through the Desert Southwest.
In Yuma, there is a 50% chance of rain tonight, with rainfall amounts generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Rain chances are higher in Imperial County, where El Centro has a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight. Some storms could produce heavier rainfall, with localized areas potentially receiving more than a quarter of an inch.
The unsettled pattern continues into Sunday, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in Yuma, mainly before 11 a.m., and a 40% chance of showers in El Centro before 11 a.m.
While rainfall totals may vary across the region, heavier downpours could create localized flooding concerns. Residents should avoid driving or walking through flooded areas and remember.
Strong winds are expected to be one of the biggest concerns this weekend, with a Wind Advisory remaining in effect from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for Yuma and Imperial counties.
South winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Localized stronger gusts may also be possible.
In Yuma, winds are expected to strengthen overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Winds will remain strong Sunday before shifting from the south to the west during the afternoon.
El Centro will also see increasing winds overnight, with gusts up to 35 mph. By Sunday morning, winds are expected to shift west and strengthen, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
The strong winds could create difficult driving conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles, and may kick up blowing dust across the region. Blowing dust is possible Sunday afternoon in Yuma and beginning Sunday morning in Imperial County.
Residents should use caution while traveling, secure loose outdoor objects and be prepared for rapidly changing visibility in areas of blowing dust.
Along with the rain and wind, a significant cooldown is on the way after temperatures climbed into the 90s this afternoon.
Yuma is forecast to reach a high near 86 degrees Sunday, while El Centro is expected to top out around 84 degrees.
Temperatures will drop further Monday, with highs near 82 degrees in Yuma and 80 degrees in El Centro. Overnight lows will also fall, reaching the upper 60s in Yuma and the lower 60s in El Centro Sunday night.
The cooler weather comes as the remnants of Rachel help usher in a much cooler air mass, bringing temperatures below seasonal averages across the Desert Southwest.
Rain chances may linger into early next week, particularly across South Central Arizona, while cooler-than-normal temperatures continue across the region.
By the middle and latter portions of next week, a drier and quieter weather pattern is expected to return, with temperatures gradually warming.
For now, residents across Yuma and Imperial counties should remain weather-aware through the weekend, especially as strong winds, blowing dust and scattered showers and thunderstorms move through the region.
