FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking heat for now with rain and winds headed our way
Tracking well-above-normal temperatures and nearing records through Friday across the Desert Southwest. I am tracking tropical moisture from Hurricane Rachel, expected to bring rain and winds this weekend.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - An Extreme Heat WARNING is in effect until 8 pm Friday for parts of the Desert Southwest, but includes Yuma and El Centro for well-above-normal temperatures. Highs will be between 104-110 degrees, and overnight lows will be between 74-83 degrees.
A Weather Authority First Alert Action Day is in effect until 8 pm Friday due to temperatures trending well above normal for this time of year.
Temperatures will be trending 10-15 degrees above average, which is a big deal since we are in October and the fall season; our average highs should be in the low 90s.
Even though temperatures aren't trending the hottest we have seen, we still have MAJOR heat risk, so it is important to take action and practice heat safety at all hours of the day. Be safe!
We have a ridge of high pressure that is bringing in the higher heat to the region and keeping our temperatures well above average.
However, this ridge will continue to weaken allowing a lower pressure system toward the west to bring in a southeasterly flow and picking up tropical moisture into the Desert Southwest in the coming days.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: I am tracking tropical moisture that is on the way. Hurricane Rachel is inching closer, and starting Friday is expected to turn northeast and head toward Baja and the Desert Southwest. It is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the Desert Southwest this weekend and early next week.
LOOKING AHEAD: I am tracking showers as early as Saturday, but the best and wettest opportunity is favoring Sunday.
However, it is still uncertain with how much rain and how impactful it may be to our area. Right now, rain estimates are between a quarter and over a half of inch in most areas. But some areas could even receive an inch or higher. Higher amounts are also in thunderstorms.
With this active and wetter weather pattern on the way, I am issuing Weather Authority First Alert Action Days Saturday evening-Sunday. This is due to the expected heavy rainfall and high winds for the Desert Southwest. This could lead to flooding in the area.
With the expected severe weather, it is super important to be storm-ready 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!
Tracking warm and record temperatures through Friday, which is why a Weather Authority First Alert Action Day is in effect until Friday for the extra warmth.
We are in for big changes this weekend and early next week. Tropical Moisture from Hurricane Rachel is expected to cool down our temperatures and bring in wet weather and strong winds. Extra Weather Authority First Alert Action Days are issued for Saturday night- Sunday. We still could see some lingering showers into early next week.
Stay tuned for more details and updates as we inch closer to this rainy event.
