Flagstaff, Arizona, is bracing for a round of monsoon-driven thunderstorms this Friday, with the potential to disrupt afternoon plans and travel across northern Arizona. As the monsoon season intensifies, residents and travelers should be prepared for a 20% chance of thunderstorms after 11 a.m.
Friday, which could bring gusty winds and lightning to the region. These storms are typical of Arizona’s summer weather pattern, but they still pose risks, especially on highways like I-17 and I-40.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds in Flagstaff
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff warns of developing thunderstorms after late morning, with southwest winds reaching speeds of 14 mph and gusts up to 22 mph.
These gusty winds could create dangerous crosswinds along I-17 and I-40, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and RVs. Flagstaff itself is expected to reach a high of 88°F on Friday, with storm chances continuing through the weekend and into next week.
The storms are likely to cause brief but intense rainfall, lightning strikes, and potentially quick street flooding. For anyone planning outdoor activities, especially hiking or camping in the Coconino National Forest, extra caution is advised. These storms can also cause power outages or delays in outdoor events due to lightning.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Looking ahead, storm chances remain present for the weekend. Saturday will see a 20% chance of storms in the late morning, with mostly clear skies overnight. Sunday’s storm chance rises to 30%, with winds gusting as high as 17 mph, making outdoor activities riskier. Temperatures will remain in the 88°F range throughout the weekend, which is typical for Flagstaff during the summer.
Increasing Storm Risk Early Next Week
As the monsoon season continues, storm chances will rise next week, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday, the storm chance increases to 50%, signaling that more significant storms could impact the region. Winds may also intensify during this period, with gusts potentially reaching up to 25 mph on Tuesday.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot for Flagstaff (July 11–15)
Friday: High 88°F – 20% chance of storms after 11 a.m., gusts up to 22 mph.
Saturday: High 88°F – 20% chance of storms late AM, mostly clear overnight.
Sunday: High 88°F – 30% storm chance after 11 a.m., breezy afternoon.
Monday: High 88°F – 40% storm chance from late morning onward.
Tuesday: High 87°F – 40% chance of storms, gusts up to 25 mph expected.
Flagstaff will experience another round of summer thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon, with gusty winds and a risk of lightning. These storms are expected to continue through the weekend and into next week, making outdoor activities and travel potentially hazardous, especially for those on I-17 and I-40.
Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, and always stay weather-aware, particularly when venturing into the outdoors or traveling through northern Arizona.
