The monsoonal flow will increase the moisture in the atmosphere which will ignite thunderstorms across the interior west. This will increase the threat of flooding and travel delays this week.
The moisture incursion will enable daily storms to affect parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for the remaining part of July.
The cities that will be affected include Provo, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rawlins, Wyoming; Denver and Phoenix. Storms will ignite first over higher terrains during the afternoon hours and slowly move towards the Valley. The morning hours will be mainly dry and sunny.
These will be typical monsoon thunderstorms as the weather can vary from region to region greatly. The storms could cause heavy downpours in some areas and little to no rainfall in others.
While the monsoon will bring much-needed relief for the depleting reservoirs and dry conditions. However, it could cause some hazardous conditions for the people in the region. The greatest threat to life and property will be in the form of flash flooding. People traveling in the region could face reduced visibility due to heavy rain and/or dusty winds.
Parts of the interstate (I) 10, 25, 40, 70 and 80 could see slow traffic for some while in the coming weeks. People have to be on alert to avoid being caught in a thunderstorm. Lightning strikes could spark off wildfires. The concern will be for the next few weeks especially in case of dry thunderstorms.
Image credit: farmersalmanac.com
