Extreme Weather Alert: Flash Flooding in Grand Canyon and Record Heat in Phoenix
Monsoonal weather brought heavy rain to the desert near Point Imperial at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon led to emergency air evacuations at the Grand Canyon, with approximately 50 individuals airlifted from the Phantom Ranch area due to surging floodwaters. No injuries were reported, but Phantom Ranch and the North Kaibab Trail have been closed until further notice. Xanterra is contacting guests about future reservations, and the public is advised to avoid closed areas.
The extreme weather continued in the Valley, where Phoenix experienced record-breaking heat with temperatures reaching 113 degrees and a record-warm low of 94 degrees overnight. The weather threat is now moving south towards the Valley, with severe thunderstorms in southern Arizona pushing outflow boundaries north towards Maricopa and Pinal counties. A blowing dust advisory is in effect, with dust storms posing wind gusts of up to 55 mph and reducing visibility on local freeways to less than one mile. Flash flood watches are in place for the entire Phoenix metro area through late Saturday night.
Although the rain is expected to diminish by 11 p.m., the severe weather pattern is set to return quickly. Phoenix will see a slight cooling to 106 degrees on Sunday, but another round of blowing dust, damaging winds, and flash flooding is anticipated late Sunday evening through Monday. Conditions are forecasted to dry out by Tuesday. Stay updated on the latest weather alerts and advisories to ensure safety during these extreme weather conditions.