by D.S. Woodfill - Jul. 14, 2012 12:41 PM
The Republic | zcentral.com
Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the Valley, and the sweltering humidity that's accompanied them, could last through Monday, say meteorologists at the National Weather Center.
Chris Kuhlman, meteorologist with the weather service's Phoenix office, said he's expecting thunder and rain starting south of the Valley and entering the metro area later on in the day on Saturday. That rain could be heavy in some parts of the Valley, possible causing flooding now that the ground has saturated after days of on-and-off rain.
Data from the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, which tracks rain totals, show the most precipitation in roughly the last 24 hours was recorded in the Wickenburg area, with over an inch in some parts near the town.
Rain totals throughout the Valley were much smaller. The most was recorded in north Phoenix near Peoria Avenue and Cave Creek Road, in Peoria near Lake Pleasant and in Surprise near 195th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. All of those areas recorded .20 inches.
The area near Peoria and 43rd avenues in Glendale got .16 inches and the area near Thunderbird Road and 7th Street in Phoenix saw .12 inches
Kuhlman said the gray skies, showers and 50 to 60-plus percent humidity could last until Monday. People usually start noticing humidity once it reaches about 40 percent, he said. The humidity level as of Sunday morning was 62 percent.
According to the weather service, there's a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the Valley through Sunday with a forecast high of 95 degrees.
Kuhlman said a strong southerly trough over California should be moving into the state Sunday, bringing more moisture in. That trough should start exiting the region later on Saturday or Sunday.
There's 20 percent chance of thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday, with forecast highs of 100 and 99 degrees respectively. There's only a 10 percent chance of storms on Tuesday with a forecast high of 99. Sunny skies are expected to return by Wednesday with an expected high of 102.
106 is normal this time of year, Kuhlman said.
"Humidity will be on the decrease starting tomorrow (Sunday), but it will be very slow to move out," he said. "It will still provide enough for a 20 percent chance (of rain). By Tuesday is when we'll really start to see the decrease in moisture."
