Alert archive / Arizona / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2022

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 170, NWS Phoenix, AZ

August 22, 2022Yuma County, Arizona; Imperial County, California

NWS Phoenix, AZ issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 22, 2022, 1:27 AM MST for Yuma County, Arizona; Imperial County, California. It was in force for 32 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 22, 2022, 1:27 AM MST (08:27 UTC)
Expired
Aug 22, 2022, 1:59 AM MST
In force
32 min
Issued by
NWS Phoenix, AZ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Yuma County, AZ, Imperial County, CA

The radar

The Yuma radar (KYUX), 46 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:30 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 00:00Z, 8.5 hours before the alert went out and 255 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Phoenix, AZ at 00:00Z on 2022-08-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1363 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Phoenix, AZ at 00:00Z on 2022-08-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 36 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1363 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-46 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1743 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
4 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
36 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
95 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Phoenix, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Aug 21, 11:04 PM MST, 2 hours 23 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 21, 11:04 PM MST, 2 hours 23 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1104 PM MST Sun Aug 21 2022

.UPDATE...Updated 06z Aviation Discussion...

&&

.SYNOPSIS...
Another chance for storms mainly across Maricopa, northwest Pinal,
and La Paz counties between 3 pm and 10 pm today. Isolated severe
winds will be possible. Storm chances trend lower Monday before
increasing again by Wednesday. Another downtrend in storm chances
by the end of next week. Temperatures will follow a similar trend
but with higher temperatures on days with lower storm chances.
Overall, temperatures are anticipated to be below normal.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Phoenix ended up breaking its daily precipitable water record
once again today, with 1.95 inches observed in this mornings
sounding. In addition, surface dew points are in the upper 60s to
lower 70s across our deserts. Although we have seen some drying
over the past 24 hours, it remains evident that we still have
plenty of moisture in the atmosphere today. In terms of the
synoptic pattern, the mid-level flow is more out of the north-
northeast today and that disturbance that brought us a substantial
amount of rainfall over the past few days is also going to be
forced eastward over the next 24 hours. For the remainder of the
day, hi-res guidance continues to suggest that convection will
continue developing along the rim this afternoon, with activity
then propagating southwestward into south-central Arizona and
parts of southwest Arizona and the Colorado River Valley. Outflows
from this activity are most likely to move into the lower deserts
after 3 pm. There should be plenty of instability to support
additional storms as these outflows push through, with the
mesoscale analysis page forecasting greater than 2000 j/kg of
mlcape this afternoon. The best chances for storms will be across
south-central Arizona and in La Paz county in southwest Arizona.
Slightly drier air will increase the damaging wind risk and lower
the flood risk slightly compared to yesterday. The probability of
getting greater than 35 mph winds is around 70% in the Phoenix
area, greater than 50% across northwest Pinal and the rest of
Maricopa county, and greater than 30% across southwest Arizona. In
addition, isolated severe winds (greater than 58 mph) will be
possible, and due to this there is a marginal risk of severe
storms mainly across Maricopa (including the Phoenix metro),
northwest Pinal, and La Paz counties. Due to the potential for
strong winds, blowing dust will also be a risk in dust prone
areas. With slightly faster storm motion and slightly less
moisture in the atmosphere, the chance of getting more than 3” of
rainfall in 3 hours is less than 10% (for reference, the chance
was 10-30% the past few days). However, even though the Flood
Watch isn’t in effect today, localized flooding will still be
possible with any storm. Further west in southeast California,
regardless of moisture, this pattern isn’t necessarily the most
favorable for storms out there. The best chances will be across
JTNP, where an isolated storm can’t be ruled out this afternoon.

High pressure to our west starts to move eastward, drying us out
a little more and increasing 850 mb temps approximately 5 degrees
tomorrow. Our flow will remain out of the north-northeast, and we
can expect a similar story tomorrow, but with less moisture and
more limiting temperatures aloft. HREF is showing less convection
firing off along the rim by the early afternoon. Activity and
associated outflows will once again try to propagate towards the
lower deserts but with less support, storms look like they will
struggle to survive. It’s possible that a few isolated storms
develop, but coverage looks to be substantially less than what
we’ve seen the past few days. The chance for getting greater than
35 mph wind speeds lowers to 10-30% across south-central Arizona
and generally around 10% or less across the western deserts. The
best time frame for outflows and isolated convection would be
between 3 and 10 pm, with the best coverage across the high
terrain north and east of Phoenix.

The flow turns more easterly Tuesday into Wednesday as the high
starts to shift towards the 4 corners. 850 mb temps are warmest
with the center of the high closest on Tuesday. PWs drop more
across our forecast area as well on Tuesday, and only isolated
storms look possible, favoring south-central Arizona. Wednesday
currently looks like it will be another good day for lower desert
storms, even as far west as southeast California. Moisture
increases once again and our flow is a lot more favorable.
Definitely something we will continue to keep an eye on. Low
confidence on the forecast beyond Wednesday, but it does appear
that Thursday could be active again and then we start to slowly
dry out and warm up again towards the weekend as our flow turns
more westerly.

Below normal temps will continue for at least the next week with
minor heatrisk across south-central and southwest Arizona and
minor to moderate heatrisk across southeast California.

&&

.AVIATION...Updated 0555Z.

South-Central Arizona including KPHX, KIWA, KSDL, and KDVT:
Mainly tranquil weather conditions through the overnight with
light and variable winds, eventually becoming easterly by early
morning with speeds aob 7 kts. A westerly wind shift is
anticipated by late morning into early afternoon. Thunderstorm
activity on Monday is likely to be more limited with a less than
30% probability of winds exceeding 30 knots, therefore, not
anticipating any significant impacts. Gradual clearing is
anticipated through the overnight with FEW-SCT cloud coverage and
bases remaining aoa 10 kft throughout the day Monday.

Southeast California/Southwest Arizona including KIPL and KBLH:

KBLH: A potent thunderstorm complex currently moving through La
Paz County will move through the terminal with strong gusty winds
from the east as well as areas of blowing dust and heavy rainfall
between 07-09z. Conditions will then improve afterwards with
southerly winds and speeds around 10 kts returning and prevailing
through the rest of the period.

KIPL: Southeasterly winds with speeds of around 10 kts will
prevail through the period. Cloud coverage will generally be FEW
to locally SCT with bases aoa 15 kft.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Very elevated moisture with min RH values >30-50% today with
excellent overnight recoveries >65-80% across the region. Storm
chances will be greatest across the rim north and east of the
Phoenix metro today, however, isolated to scattered storms will be
possible in the lower deserts of south-central & southwest AZ as
this activity propagates southward. Winds on average will be
light, with the exception of any thunderstorm or associated
outflows generating stronger gusts. Well below normal max Ts
today. Drier and slightly warmer conditions with a downtick in
storm activity is likely tomorrow before another uptick by
midweek. Much drier conditions are then forecast by next weekend
with min RH values in the lower deserts generally less than 30%.

&&

.PSR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AZ...None.
CA...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...Feldkircher
AVIATION...Lojero
FIRE WEATHER...Feldkircher

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 21, 11:49 PM MST, 1 hour 38 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1149 PM MST Sun Aug 21 2022

AZZ530-531-533-CAZ569-570-220730-
Kofa AZ-Parker Valley AZ-Central La Paz AZ-Palo Verde Valley CA-
Chuckwalla Valley CA-
1149 PM MST Sun Aug 21 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of west central La Paz,
northwestern Yuma and Riverside Counties through 1230 AM MST/1230 AM
PDT/...

At 1149 PM MST/1149 PM PDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from Midland to near Blythe
Airport to 6 miles southeast of Blythe to 11 miles south of
Quartzsite. Movement was southwest at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Blythe, Quartzsite, Nicholls Warm Springs, Midland, Blythe Airport,
Ripley, East Blythe and Ehrenberg.

This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 1 and 31.
CA Interstate 10 between mile markers 136 and 156.
US Highway 60 near mile marker 31.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 11494 3361 11489 3344 11462 3336 11425
      3374 11395 3376 11436 3384 11456 3401 11474
TIME...MOT...LOC 0649Z 044DEG 29KT 3384 11480 3366 11468 3354 11451
3351 11429

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

INS
Local storm report, Aug 21, 11:54 PM MST, 1 hour 33 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PHOENIX AZ
1154 PM MST SUN AUG 21 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1135 PM     TSTM WND GST     7 NNW RIPLEY            33.61N 114.72W
08/21/2022  M63 MPH          RIVERSIDE          CA   ASOS

            MEASURED WIND GUST FROM BLYTHE AIRPORT ASOS.

&&

CK
Local storm report, Aug 22, 12:11 AM MST, 1 hour 16 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 22, 12:14 AM MST, 1 hour 13 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 22, 12:38 AM MST, 49 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 22, 1:15 AM MST, 12 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Phoenix, AZ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 21, 5:14 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRGila, Maricopa7 min
Aug 21, 5:21 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa4 hr
Aug 21, 5:29 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa46 min
Aug 21, 5:31 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR44 min
Aug 21, 5:34 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRGila41 min
Aug 21, 5:38 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa3 hr
Aug 21, 5:45 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa, Pinal45 min
Aug 21, 5:57 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila4 hr
Aug 21, 6:07 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa, Pinal53 min
Aug 21, 6:16 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR44 min
Aug 21, 6:25 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa5 hr
Aug 21, 6:27 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR48 min
Aug 21, 6:30 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa5 hr
Aug 21, 6:32 PM MSTDust Storm AdvisoryPSRMaricopa58 min
Aug 21, 6:38 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRGila52 min
Aug 21, 6:46 PM MSTDust Storm AdvisoryPSRMaricopa, Pinal59 min
Aug 21, 6:48 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa2 hr
Aug 21, 6:53 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa52 min
Aug 21, 7:02 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa, Pinal43 min
Aug 21, 7:25 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRLa Paz50 min
Aug 21, 7:32 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa3 hr
Aug 21, 7:42 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz3 hr
Aug 21, 7:44 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa, Pinal13 min
Aug 21, 7:46 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRPinal29 min
Aug 21, 8:00 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa30 min
Aug 21, 8:15 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR45 min
Aug 21, 8:22 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz, Maricopa3 hr
Aug 21, 8:34 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRLa Paz, Maricopa27 min
Aug 21, 8:51 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz3 hr
Aug 21, 8:53 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR52 min
Aug 21, 9:09 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRMaricopa, Pinal3 hr
Aug 21, 10:07 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRLa Paz38 min
Aug 21, 10:33 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRLa Paz57 min
Aug 21, 10:48 PM MSTDust Storm WarningPSRLa Paz, Yuma57 min
Aug 21, 11:04 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz3 hr
Aug 21, 11:24 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRLa Paz4 hr
Aug 21, 11:46 PM MSTDust Storm WarningPSRLa Paz, Yuma44 min
Aug 21, 11:49 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRLa Paz41 min
Aug 21, 11:57 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRLa Paz, Yuma48 min
Aug 22, 12:30 AM MSTDust Storm WarningPSRLa Paz, Yuma60 min
Aug 22, 12:34 AM MSTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatPSRLa Paz, Yuma56 min
Aug 22, 12:38 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR52 min
Aug 22, 12:46 AM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz3 hr
Aug 22, 1:24 AM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRLa Paz, Yuma3 hr
Aug 22, 1:46 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRYuma44 min
Aug 22, 2:47 AM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRYuma3 hr
Aug 22, 2:10 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR65 min
Aug 22, 2:12 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRGila63 min
Aug 22, 2:54 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRGila51 min
Aug 22, 3:33 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR42 min
Aug 22, 4:05 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRGila70 min
Aug 22, 4:45 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRGila, Maricopa, Pinal38 min
Aug 22, 1:15 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRRiverside45 min
Aug 22, 1:31 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRImperial44 min
Aug 22, 1:53 AM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryPSRImperial3 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Arizona, 2022Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in California, 2022Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2022

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.