Heavy winds may return to Phoenix area with possible thunderstorms; but first, a freeze warning
Monday evening’s heavy winds in the Valley may prove to be a preview of harsh winter weather to visit the area, including a freeze warning for Wednesday and the possibility of thunderstorms next week.
Though the wind gusts from Monday were mostly 30 mph, the Valley will not see heavy winds until the end of the weekend through early next week, according to meteorologist Sean Benedict with the National Weather Service office in Phoenix. Those winds could hit up to 40 mph, Benedict said.
“It’s not completely uncommon,” Benedict said about heavy winds in the Phoenix area this time of year.
He said Monday night was part of a polar system that brought cold, Arctic air from the Northwest, stretching it across the Central United States and onto the East.
Wind activity is being driven in part by the Santa Ana winds, which have led to devastating wildfires in Southern California, Benedict explained.
Benedict said Tuesday’s high was set for 61 degrees and then Wednesday was expected to see a low of 36 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — the coldest day of the winter season so far.
That will bring a freeze warning for overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, he added.
“Protect people, protect your pets (and) protect plants — put blankets over them or bring them inside,” Benedict said “And also protecting your pipes. If they have any water in it, they could freeze.”
Along with the possibility of more heavy winds, the weekend and early next week may also bring a chance for showers and maybe even thunderstorms, Benedict said.
“Something we have our eyes on,” he said, adding, “There is still some uncertainty as to exactly how this will play out.”
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Freeze warning, heavy winds, possible storms to come to Phoenix area
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