


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
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208 FXUS65 KFGZ 242328 AFDFGZ Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 428 PM MST Sun Aug 24 2025 .SYNOPSIS...Arizona remains under an active pattern where showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through mid week, before decreasing by Thursday into the weekend. Storms will be capable of producing heavy rain, frequent lightning, small hail, and gusty/erratic winds. Outside of precipitation chances, look for near to below normal temperatures each afternoon. && .DISCUSSION...High pressure centered over eastern Arizona today will gradually weaken and slide off to the southeast through mid week as weak troughing continues along the west coast. This southerly flow pattern will be favorable for continued moisture transport into our region - and elevated chances for daily showers and thunderstorms. The main hazards with storms will be locally heavy rain/flooding and lightning. However, with most unstable CAPE values approaching 1500-2000 J/kg in Yavapai County this afternoon and evening, there could also be a few strong/severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and hail greater than nickel size. So far this afternoon, the main storm development has been over and just north of higher terrain of Yavapai and Coconino counties where moisture values are highest and early day sun destabilized the atmosphere. Storm motions are slowly toward the north, with some backbuilding cells noted in the Prescott region. Look for this activity to continue into the evening, with more isolated showers or storms overnight tonight. With several days of elevated precipitable water values expected, we extended the Flash Flood Watch for the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fire scars through Tuesday to cover the period with highest chance of seeing heavy rain over this newly burned area. Daytime temperatures will be near to a few degrees below normal through Tuesday. Wednesday into next weekend - as the ridge continues shifting southeast and the west coast trough moves closer, precipitable water values begin to fall over northern and central Arizona. Enough moisture appears to remain Wednesday for scattered storms, but by Thursday into the weekend storms are looking more isolated (10-25% chances). Daytime highs remain a bit below normal Wednesday and Thursday before starting to rebound close to normal Friday into the weekend. && .AVIATION...Monday 25/00Z through Tuesday 26/00Z...Mainly VFR conditions are forecast, outside of brief MVFR thresholds in heavier showers/thunderstorms. Expect chances for showers/storms through 03Z, with showers possibly continuing overnight. Highest coverage of storms northwest of a KPAN-KRQE line. Outside of gusty/erratic winds with storms, look for west-southwest winds 5-15 mph. OUTLOOK...Tuesday 26/00Z through Thursday 28/00Z...VFR conditions will continue outside of MVFR thresholds in heavier showers/thunderstorms. Look for daily widespread showers/storms between 18Z-03Z, with scattered showers/storms continuing both Monday and Tuesday nights. Gusty/erratic winds possible near storms, otherwise look for south through west winds 5-15 mph. && .FIRE WEATHER...This afternoon through Tuesday...Daytime highs will gradually cool over the next several days as humidity increases and daily precipitation chances continue. Scattered to widespread showers/thunderstorms expected each afternoon and evening, with a chance of activity continuing during the overnight periods. Outside of gusty/erratic outflow driven winds, look for mostly southwest through west daytime winds 5-15 mph. Wednesday through Friday...Temperatures will remain below normal through the end of the week, with a gradual decrease in afternoon minimum RH values. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday, becoming more isolated for Thursday and Friday. Outside of gusty/erratic outflow driven winds, look for mostly southwest through west daytime winds 5-15 mph. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch through Tuesday evening for AZZ004>006. && $$ PUBLIC...JJ AVIATION...McCollum FIRE WEATHER...JJ For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff