Flash Flood Threats for the Southwest U.S.

Above, yesterday afternoon's rain. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday started out nice and sunny. The morning and early afternoon hours were pleasant enough for me to sit out on my deck and enjoy some Alien Amber Ale.

Then late in the afternoon, clouds came over the area and we have brief periods of thundershower. Since we need the rain, it was welcome. We've been a bit parched this year.

According to the "front page" of the National Weather Service, we may be in for more of the same:

Flash Flood Threats for the Southwest U.S.

An excessive rain and flash flood threat across the Southwestern U.S. will continue over the next several days, likely through the upcoming weekend. A classic summer monsoon pattern will be locked in place featuring above normal moisture. Expect scattered to organized areas of showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall amounts in a short period of time and flooding.

I am not concerned about flooding since I am on a slope. There is an arroyo behind my property to carry off any floodwaters, should they appear. 

As for today and tonight:

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.