No Rain, High Risk: Southwest Storms Could Ignite New Wildfires

Temperatures well into the triple digits are spreading across the Desert Southwest to end the week. A byproduct of this heat will be the threat of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. While the moisture is needed across the parched terrain of this corner of the country, forecasters are warning that most of the storms may cause more trouble than they are worth.

Start of North American Monsoon Season Raising Chances of Storms in the Southwest

A heat wave expanding into the interior West by the end of the week will also bring along the chance of thunderstorms to the Southwest and beyond. Although the heat dome is currently anchored over the southwestern U.S., it is expected to push to the east in the days ahead. The movement of this area of high pressure will bring up more moisture, depositing it across portions of the western U.S. beginning this weekend and lasting into next week.

The storm action will progress from south to north over the interior portions of the West in the early stages, becoming more widespread by next week. The rainy and stormy weather is a natural result of the start of the North American monsoon season. This annual parade of storms from the south happens this time of the year when winds switch from the west to the south, pulling up moisture from Mexico and the Pacific.

Ongoing drought conditions in the Southwest mean that any bit of precipitation will be welcome. However, the monsoonal storms are known for bringing little to no rain along with the gusty winds and frequent lightning strikes. The combination of lightning and winds is a recipe for disaster during wildfire season, especially when the storms do not bring along a good amount of moisture.

In addition to the elevated threat of wildfires, the heat dome will work to trap smoke closer to the ground. The smoky conditions will lead to reduced visibility and the chance of dangerous air quality levels for vulnerable populations.

The chance of meaningful moisture will increase throughout the week as humidity levels rise. The sudden influx of precipitation may trigger flash flooding and debris flows. As is typical, the greatest threat will be along dry stream beds, known as arroyos, and through the region's canyons.

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