Alert archive / Arizona / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 64, NWS Tucson, AZ

July 31, 2023Pima County, Pinal County, Arizona

NWS Tucson, AZ issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 31, 2023, 8:07 PM MST for Pima County, Pinal County, Arizona. It was in force for 53 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued: Jul 31, 2023, 8:07 PM MST (03:07 UTC)
Expired: Jul 31, 2023, 9:00 PM MST
In force: 53 min
Issued by: NWS Tucson, AZ
Area: Storm-based polygon
Hail: 0.75 in
Wind: 60.0 mph

Counties Pima County, AZ, Pinal County, AZ

The radar

The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 63 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 03:07 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 00:00Z, 3.1 hours before the alert went out and 87 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-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

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: 1784 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -4 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 2129 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 20 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 27 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 40 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 1.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

607 
WUUS55 KTWC 010307
SVRTWC
AZC019-021-010400-
/O.NEW.KTWC.SV.W.0064.230801T0307Z-230801T0400Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
807 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northeastern Pima County in southeastern Arizona...
  South central Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...

* Until 900 PM MST.

* At 807 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm was located over Picacho Peak
  State Park, or 20 miles northwest of Marana, moving northwest at 15
  mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Eloy, Picacho, Chui-Chu, Picacho Peak State Park, Red Rock and East
  Chui-Chu.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3259 11116 3240 11156 3279 11181 3279 11178
      3276 11177 3276 11174 3273 11174 3273 11167
      3276 11161 3286 11151 3297 11134
TIME...MOT...LOC 0307Z 142DEG 12KT 3261 11141 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

KJS

1 follow-up statement

895 
WWUS55 KTWC 010354
SVSTWC

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
854 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

AZC019-021-010404-
/O.EXP.KTWC.SV.W.0064.000000T0000Z-230801T0400Z/
Pima-Pinal-
854 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN PIMA AND SOUTH
CENTRAL PINAL COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 900 PM MST...
                
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.  However gusty
winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

LAT...LON 3259 11116 3240 11156 3279 11181 3279 11178
      3276 11177 3276 11174 3273 11174 3273 11167
      3276 11161 3286 11151 3297 11134
TIME...MOT...LOC 0354Z 142DEG 12KT 3272 11151 

$$

KJS

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 Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 31, 2:22 PM MST, 5 hours 45 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 31, 2:22 PM MST, 5 hours 45 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
222 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

.SYNOPSIS...Showers and thunderstorms are likely across most of
the area this afternoon and evening. Some will be strong to
severe and capable of heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding.
Temperatures cool to near normal today through Wednesday. Rain
chances dwindle after Tuesday as drier air moves in. Hotter
temperatures return by Friday into the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Scattered thunderstorms kicking off the early
afternoon. We've picked up some decent shear and brisk storm
movement while dropping from 1.5 inches PW to around 1.35 or so.
Latest HRRR still has us on track for elevated strong
thunderstorm coverage from mid afternoon into the early evening
hours. We're just barely holding on to a sub 100 temperature at
the airport (which would be the first since mid June), but will
likely push past 100 over the next hour or two.

For Tuesday, expect modest drying and weak subsidence as the
impulse that is helping to organize our storms today shifts
northward and continues to weaken. This will limit storm coverage
quite a bit compared to what's expected today.

For Wednesday through the weekend, it looks hotter and drier.
Thursday through Saturday could see a complete shut-down of
seasonal thunderstorms as the high pressure ridge that has been
east of the area builds overhead and into northwest Mexico. That's
a firm blocking position combined with warmer mid levels to
inhibit convection. Back to record highs Friday through Sunday,
with a decent chance of 1 or more additional 110 temperatures
added to the summer total for Tucson.

Ensemble means are hinting that the western portion of the ridge
will break down and once again see a high center reconsolidating
to our east. That could open our corner of the state up again for
a thunderstorm return around next Monday or so. Tropics are
heating up again as well.

&&

.AVIATION...valid through 02/00Z.
Scattered to widespread SHRA/TSRA with gusty outflow winds
between 40-50 kts along with VSBY restrictions to 3SM or less
possible. Showers and thunderstorms diminishing by late evening
with partial clearing overnight. Isolated to scattered -SHRA/-TSRA
return after 01/19Z. Outside of thunderstorm outflows, afternoon
SFC winds will be WLY at KTUS, and SLY at KOLS and KDUG at around
15 kts becoming light and terrain driven overnight. Aviation
discussion not updated for TAF amendments.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Scattered to widespread afternoon and evening
showers and thunderstorms are expected across southeast Arizona.
Storms will be capable of producing strong, gusty, and erratic
outflow winds of 40-60 mph along with heavy rain. On Tuesday, storms
will have less coverage and intensity with wind gusts up to 45 mph
possible. Although sustained 20-foot winds will generally remain
under 15 mph, gusts to around 25 mph may occur. Temperatures
closer to normals today and tomorrow but will quickly heat back
up Wednesday and beyond, with near record highs returning by
Friday. Valley min RH readings will generally range between 20-
30% today and tomorrow with conditions drying out to 10-20% for
Wednesday and beyond.

&&

.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

Meyer

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 31, 4:11 PM MST, 3 hours 56 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
411 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

AZZ506-507-509-511-010000-
Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys including
Clifton/Safford-Southeast Pinal County including
Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle-Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra
Vista/Benson-Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains including Mount Graham-
411 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Graham
and eastern Pinal Counties through 500 PM MST...

At 411 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 20
miles east of San Manuel, or 24 miles southeast of Mammoth, moving
north at 10 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.

This storm will remain over mainly remote areas of southwestern
Graham and eastern Pinal Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3248 11014 3244 11035 3268 11052 3275 11022
TIME...MOT...LOC 2311Z 157DEG 10KT 3255 11029

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

KJS

Special weather statement, Jul 31, 5:26 PM MST, 2 hours 41 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
526 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

AZZ504-514-010115-
Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount
Lemmon/Summerhaven-Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green
Valley/Marana/Vail-
526 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Pima
County through 615 PM MST...

At 526 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Summit, or 9 miles south of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, moving
north at 10 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...
Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Drexel
Heights, Tanque Verde, Vail, South Tucson, Pascua Pueblo Yaqui
Reservation, East Sahuarita, Summit, Corona De Tucson, Valencia West,
Tucson International Airport, Saguaro National Park East, Rita Ranch
and San Xavier Mission.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 10 between mile markers 260 and 282.
 Interstate 19 between mile markers 41 and 63.
 Route 83 near mile marker 58.
 Route 86 between mile markers 168 and 171.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3204 11063 3180 11093 3212 11120 3230 11072
TIME...MOT...LOC 0026Z 157DEG 10KT 3204 11087

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

KJS

Special weather statement, Jul 31, 5:55 PM MST, 2 hours 12 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
555 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

AZZ502-504>506-514-010145-
Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount
Lemmon/Summerhaven-Tohono O'odham Nation including Sells-Southeast
Pinal County including Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle-Tucson Metro Area
including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail-South Central Pinal County
including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park-
555 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Pima
and south central Pinal Counties through 645 PM MST...

At 554 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a group of thunderstorms
from Sahuarita to central Tucson, moving northwest at 10 mph. These
storms have already produced gusts to 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 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...
Tucson, Catalina, Oro Valley, Marana, Casas Adobes, Drexel Heights,
Flowing Wells, Tanque Verde, Saddlebrooke, South Tucson, Avra Valley,
Tortolita, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Catalina State Park, Tucson
Estates, Saguaro National Park West, Catalina Foothills, Valencia
West, Picture Rocks and Dove Mountain.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 10 between mile markers 234 and 259.
 Route 77 between mile markers 70 and 91.
 Route 86 between mile markers 157 and 168.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm 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 3229 11072 3210 11126 3232 11145 3250 11123
      3257 11091
TIME...MOT...LOC 0054Z 124DEG 8KT 3229 11107

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CSC

Local storm report, Jul 31, 6:06 PM MST, 2 hours 1 minute before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
606 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

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

0556 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     6 SW Tucson             32.13N 110.95W
07/31/2023  M58 MPH          Pima               AZ   ASOS

            ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
            Airport.

&&

KLM

Local storm report, Jul 31, 7:45 PM MST, 22 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
745 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

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

0735 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WSW Marana            32.40N 111.22W
07/31/2023  M73 MPH          Pima               AZ   AWOS

            AWOS station KAVQ Marana Regional Airport.

&&

KLM

Local storm report, Jul 31, 7:51 PM MST, 16 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
751 PM MST Mon Jul 31 2023

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

0735 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WSW Marana            32.40N 111.22W
07/31/2023  M72 MPH          Pima               AZ   AWOS

            Corrects previous tstm wnd gst report from 3
            WSW Marana. AWOS station KAVQ Marana
            Regional Airport.

&&

KLM

The office that day

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

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jul 31, 5:04 PM MST	Areal Flood Advisory	TWC	Pinal	3 hr
Jul 31, 5:26 PM MST	Special Weather Statement	TWC		49 min
Jul 31, 5:55 PM MST	Special Weather Statement	TWC		50 min
Jul 31, 5:58 PM MST	Areal Flood Advisory	TWC	Pima	3 hr
Jul 31, 6:05 PM MST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	TWC	Pima	40 min
Jul 31, 6:33 PM MST	Flash Flood Warning Considerable damage threat	TWC	Pima	2 hr
Jul 31, 6:41 PM MST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	TWC	Pima, Pinal	49 min
Jul 31, 6:58 PM MST	Dust Storm Advisory	TWC	Pima, Pinal	2 hr
Jul 31, 7:06 PM MST	Flash Flood Warning Considerable damage threat	TWC	Pima	2 hr
Jul 31, 7:08 PM MST	Areal Flood Advisory	TWC	Pima	2 hr
Jul 31, 7:30 PM MST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	TWC	Pima, Pinal	45 min
Jul 31, 8:55 PM MST	Special Weather Statement	TWC	Graham	50 min
Jul 31, 9:03 PM MST	Special Weather Statement	TWC		42 min
Aug 1, 1:26 AM MST	Excessive Heat Watch	TWC	Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz	24 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Arizona, 2023 Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2023

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.