PHOENIX, Ariz. – Tropical moisture funneling into central Arizona is drenching the Phoenix metro and surrounding valleys, triggering a Flood Watch through Saturday night. Steady rain and embedded thunderstorms are expected to push creeks and washes near their limits, with water potentially covering low-lying stretches of I-10 and I-17 during the Saturday morning drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, the watch covers much of Maricopa and Pinal counties — including Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Tempe, and Chandler — as well as outlying communities such as Wickenburg, Buckeye, and Casa Grande. Widespread rainfall totals between one and one-and-a-half inches are expected, with localized higher amounts possible where storms repeat over the same area.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded crossings and never attempt to drive through standing water. The Arizona Department of Transportation warns of potential slowdowns along I-10 and Loop 202 due to ponding and reduced visibility. Residents in flood-prone zones should clear debris from storm drains and secure outdoor Halloween decorations ahead of gusty conditions.
Showers are expected to taper gradually Sunday, but lingering moisture could still produce scattered storms through the early part of next week. Sunshine returns by midweek with typical fall warmth rebuilding — a welcome break before the next system eyes the region later in October.
Five-Day Forecast for Phoenix, AZ:
Fri: 94/77 – Scattered storms; Flood Watch in effect through night.
Sat: 90/74 – Heavy rain likely; local flooding possible.
Sun: 86/72 – Scattered showers; improving later.
Mon: 87/70 – Partly sunny; slight rain chance east.
Tue: 84/68 – Mostly sunny and dry; warmer afternoons return.
