Severe Thunderstorm Warning 16, NWS Flagstaff, AZ

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
408 PM MST Thu Aug 21 2025

.SYNOPSIS...Chances for showers and thunderstorms rise over the
coming days as monsoonal moisture begins to increase over northern
Arizona. Scattered to widespread storms, some with heavy rain and
localized flash flooding, are expected to develop by weeks end
and continue into next week. Hot temperatures will remain through
Friday, before cooler temperatures return for the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...High Pressure setting up over the Four Corners this
weekend will be in a favorable position to finally draw up some
deeper monsoon moisture to the area. Over the next couple days
high temperatures will remain above average at about 5-10 degrees
above late August averages, however heights currently sitting at
596 DM will weaken to 591 DM by the end of the weekend and this
combined with the higher storm activity will allow temperatures to
cool to average by Monday and even below average by Tuesday. An
Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the lower elevations
of the Grand Canyon through Friday evening and no change to this
product is planned at this time.

Where the high is currently set up, steering flow for this
afternoon's thunderstorms will be to the west to southwest.
Outflows from early Rim storms will allow storms to propagate
towards the lower deserts as the day progresses. Main hazards will
be localized heavy rain and gusty erratic winds. For Friday it
looks like a repeat of today in terms of storm motion with storms
being a little more widespread. Coverage of storms continues to
increase over the weekend as even more moisture is drawn into the
state. This will definitely increase the chance for more
widespread hazards over the region, especially the burn scars.

&&

.AVIATION...Friday 22/00Z through Saturday 23/00Z...VFR conditions
expected outside of MVFR ceilings/visibilities in heavier
TSRA/SHRA. Scattered convection will continue through at least
06Z, with a few light showers possibly continuing overnight.
Outside of gusty/erratic outflow winds, look for variable winds
generally 5-15 kts.

OUTLOOK...Saturday 23/00Z through Monday 25/00Z...Daily chances for
showers/storms will continue each afternoon/evening. Main hazards
will be heavy rain, small hail, gusty/erratic winds, and
lightning. Outside of storm development, look for VFR conditions
and winds 10 kts or less varying in direction.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Friday through Saturday...Above average temperatures
continue although we begin to trend downward starting Saturday.
Showers and thunderstorms become more widespread going into the
weekend.  Minimum RH values 15-25% Friday, 20-30% Saturday. Winds
generally variable 5-10 mph. Gusty and erratic winds possible in and
around thunderstorms.

Sunday through Tuesday...Increasing chances for numerous to
widespread showers and thunderstorms with wetting rains each day.
Temperatures trend downward to average Monday and below average on
Tuesday. Winds will primarily be variable 5-10 mph. Gusty and
erratic winds possible in and around thunderstorms.

&&

.FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM MST Friday for AZZ006.

&&

PUBLIC...Bernhart
AVIATION...Konieczny
FIRE WEATHER...Bernhart

For Northern Arizona weather information visit
weather.gov/flagstaff