Flagstaff, Ariz. – Towering clouds are already building over the high country, and another active monsoon afternoon is taking shape across northern Arizona. Dry roads this morning may quickly turn wet as thunderstorms develop, bringing bursts of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds to Flagstaff and surrounding mountain communities.
Northern Arizona remains in a persistent monsoon pattern, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through at least Tuesday. While temperatures stay comfortably below the desert heat, repeated storms could create travel concerns during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, showers and thunderstorms become likely after late morning today with a 70% chance of precipitation and a high near 74 degrees. Storm chances remain elevated through the weekend and early next week, including 70% chances Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, while daytime highs gradually warm from the middle 70s into the upper 70s.
Residents and visitors should prepare for rapidly changing weather, especially in the mountains. Stronger thunderstorms may produce brief heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, small hail, and wind gusts approaching 20 to 25 mph. Localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas, slot canyons, and locations that have received repeated rainfall. Never drive through water covering a roadway.
Travelers along Interstate 40, Interstate 17, U.S. Highway 89, and State Route 89A should expect changing conditions during the afternoon. Wet pavement, reduced visibility, and lightning may slow traffic, particularly near higher elevations and wildfire burn scars where runoff can develop quickly.
Meteorologists continue tracking daily monsoon moisture across Arizona, with additional storms expected nearly every afternoon through midweek. Tornado potential remains very low, but lightning and localized flash flooding remain the primary hazards.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures across much of the Southwest during the 6-to-10-day period, though Flagstaff should remain cooler than lower desert communities while the active monsoon pattern continues.
Five-Day Forecast for Flagstaff, Arizona
- Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely after late morning. High 74°F. Chance of rain 70%.
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 76°F. Chance of rain 70%.
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 78°F. Chance of rain 70%.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 79°F. Chance of rain 70%.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 80°F. Chance of rain 80%.
