Residents of Phoenix should brace for a rapid swing in conditions as a lingering cutoff low off the California coast finally decides to move eastward. While the city still grapples with a sweltering 105°F high on Wednesday, forecasters warn that Thursday will mark the start of a wet and windy spell that could reshape the desert’s weather narrative for weeks.
What’s Coming Thursday and Friday?
The cutoff low has been hanging out off the West Coast for several days, acting like a slow‑moving engine of moisture. Early Thursday, clouds will creep into southeast and east‑central Arizona, then spread westward through the night. By late Thursday night, the Phoenix metro area can expect its first measurable rain of the season, with the system deepening on Friday.
Rainfall estimates for Phoenix sit between 0.5 and 0.75 inches, though localized pockets could see a bit more. The heavy‑rain axis lies further east, where totals of 1.5‑3 inches are possible across east‑central and southeastern parts of the state. This stark gradient makes precise forecasting a challenge, but the consensus is clear: the desert will finally see a substantial wet spell after months of dryness.
Alongside rain, the storm system brings a serious thunderstorm threat. Meteorologists highlight the possibility of strong to severe storms that could produce winds exceeding 60 mph, moderate to large hail, and intense downpours capable of flash flooding—especially in low‑lying areas and dry washes of eastern Arizona.
Impacts for Residents
Drivers should stay alert for sudden slick roads and reduced visibility once rain begins, particularly on rural highways and in Canyon Lake‑type canyons where flash floods develop quickly. Outdoor events scheduled for Thursday night or Friday may need to be postponed or relocated, as thunderstorm warnings are likely to be issued throughout the day.
Temperatures will swing dramatically after the rain passes. Friday’s highs are expected to drop well below the seasonal average, lingering in the 80‑90°F range, and the cooler trend should persist through the weekend. Early next week, a gradual warm‑up may return, but the short‑term relief will be noticeable for anyone who’s endured weeks of relentless desert heat.
Local authorities are already preparing sandbag kits and issuing flood‑risk maps for the most vulnerable neighborhoods. Residents are urged to monitor National Weather Service alerts, keep an eye on water‑level gauges at nearby reservoirs, and have an emergency kit ready in case the storm intensifies unexpectedly.
In short, the upcoming cutoff low promises to rewrite the weather playbook for Phoenix and the wider Arizona region, delivering the first significant rain in months, a serious thunderstorm risk, and a much‑needed break from the blistering heat.
