Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across eastern and southeastern AZ during the afternoon hours. Deep and colliding outflows sparked new development across the lower deserts of south-central AZ during the early evening hours, including several thunderstorm clusters developing over the Phoenix metro area and producing strong to severe downburst winds.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PSR wrote it up.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across eastern and southeastern AZ during the afternoon hours. Deep and colliding outflows sparked new development across the lower deserts of south-central AZ during the early evening hours, including several thunderstorm clusters developing over the Phoenix metro area and producing strong to severe downburst winds. The environment that these thunderstorms developed under was characterized by MLCAPE values of over 1000 J/KG with DCAPE values in excess of 1500 J/KG, which were favorable parameters for severe downburst winds.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Jul 24, 4:35 PM MST, 3 hours 55 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
435 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
.Update...Updated 00Z Aviation
&&
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong ridge of high pressure over the region will continue to
result in above normal temperatures across south central Arizona
with excessive heat conditions continuing along and west of the
Lower Colorado River Valley. Moisture levels will improve today
and Thursday, resulting in more active thunderstorm activity
across south central and southeastern Arizona. Strong to severe
thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, primarily
across south central Arizona with the primary threats being strong
winds, dense blowing dust, and locally heavy rainfall. Drier
conditions are expected to arrive late this week into this weekend
with slightly cooler temperatures anticipated.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Afternoon objective analysis showed the subtropical ridge of high
pressure centered near southern Nevada and northwest Arizona,
promoting northeasterly flow aloft over south-central Arizona. Radar
earlier this morning was showing isolated elevated convection across
parts of Yuma and Imperial Counties, but has since dissipated with
new convection firing along terrain features such as the Kofas and
Chocolate Mountains. The latest ACARS sounding and the 12Z PHX
sounding showed an uptick in moisture into the region, particularly
in the 500-700 mb layer, compared to 24 hours ago with PWATs near
1.7". The higher moisture content and increase in instability across
central and southeastern Arizona will act to promote greater and
more robust coverage of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
The 12Z HREF depicts better instability for this afternoon and
evening as MUCAPE values climb upwards of 1000-1500 J/kg. Forecast
soundings also show inverted-V profiles and DCAPE values climbing
upwards of 1500-1800 J/kg, which will support thunderstorms capable
of producing strong to severe downbursts along with strong outflows
emanating from these thunderstorms. HREF paintball plots show
good confidence amongst its members in thunderstorms continuing to
initiate across the Mogollon Rim and across southeast Arizona
this afternoon. HREF member agreement decreases in regards to
thunderstorm activity as outflows descend into the lower deserts,
but there is still good indication of thunderstorm development
into parts of the south-central Arizona lower deserts heading into
this evening with forecast soundings showing little CIN. Outflows
emanating from the high terrain north and east of Phoenix and
outflows from southeast Arizona may collide over the lower deserts
this evening and further help to enhance thunderstorm coverage
across parts of south-central Arizona. Outflows collisions will
have the ability to lead to more widely scattered robust
convection across the lower deserts through the evening with up to
a 50-70% chance for winds to exceed 35 mph and up to a 10% chance
to exceed 58 mph. Given the favorable thermodynamics, potential
for strong outflows/outflow collisions, and favorable inverted-V
profiles, SPC has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Maricopa,
Pinal, and Gila Counties through 9 PM MST. Strong to severe wind
gusts will be the primary threat with thunderstorms, which could
lead to areas of dense blowing dust. Therefore, a Blowing Dust
Advisory is in effect for portions of northwest Pinal County and
the far southern/southeastern fringes of the metro. Additionally,
locally heavy rainfall with thunderstorms could lead to isolated
instances of flash flooding.
.PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...
By Thursday, the subtropical high will begin to sag southward and
end up centered over N AZ. As this occurs, mid-lvl hghts/thicknesses
will rise with 850 mb temps peaking around 30-31C across much of
the region. This will allow temperatures to climb a degree or two,
especially across the western deserts with highs peaking around
115- 117F. Coincidentally, major HeatRisk will increase in
coverage across southeast CA and southwest AZ. Meanwhile, highs
should again range from 109F-113F in the Phoenix Metro area. The
overall steering flow is not expected to change much on Thursday
with the mid-level flow still remaining out of the east to
northeast. Global models continue to indicate a strong vortmax
moving south and west along the eastern periphery of the high
Thursday afternoon and evening. Therefore we will likely see
another round of convection developing across the Rim Country and
White Mountains. There is uncertainty regarding storm coverage
across the lower deserts depending on what happens today and if
the atmosphere will be able to recover. However, all indications
from high-res guidance point to another active day. Latest NBM
PoPs range from 30-40% for the central deserts and up to 60% for
the higher terrain of eastern and southeastern AZ on Thursday
evening. The main risks will again be strong wind gusts and
blowing dust as outflow boundaries converge over southcentral AZ.
Ensemble guidance continues to be consistent in indicating an upper-
level trough progressing into the Great Basin Region beginning on
Friday. This will cause the subtropical ridge to become displaced
further southward towards the international border while also
weakening in the process. This pattern shift will result in drier
westerly flow to settle in, dropping moisture levels. As a result, a
decrease in monsoonal thunderstorm activity is likely, with activity
mostly confined to far eastern and southeast AZ for Saturday and
Sunday. Temperatures will also cool by a few degrees as hghts aloft
diminish overhead. Therefore, the excessive heat should come to an
end by Friday. Highs this weekend will actually be largely below
110F. By early next week, the ensembles indicate that the
subtropical ridge will quickly rebound and move back into the Four
Corners region. At the same time, there are still indications from
both the GFS and ECMWF deterministic model solutions of a potent
inverted trough moving into the region from Mexico. If this solution
comes to fruition, then we will see a better chance for widespread
thunderstorm activity across the southern half of AZ early next week.
&&
.AVIATION...Updated at 2335Z.
South-Central Arizona including KPHX, KIWA, KSDL, and KDVT:
Hi-res data shows multiple outflow traversing the metro through
about 06Z tonight, first from the NE/E, then from the N/NW. Recent
guidance now shows a much weaker NE'rly outflow, but has increased
the strength the secondary boundary, which could potentially push
gusts upwards of 30-35 kts, primarily at KSDL and KDVT. There are
still hints of SE'rly outflow impacting some terminals early
tonight, mainly KIWA, but confidence regarding this feature is
much lower than in previous TAF forecasts. However, if this SE'rly
outflow becomes the dominant boundary, the potential for reduced
visibilities due to blowing dust increases. Regardless, winds
25-35 kts appear likely through early tonight, the main question
that remains is where these winds will originate from. Due to the
uncertainty of the forecast, amendments will likely be needed
throughout the next several hours. SHRA ans TSRA in the vicinity
and over terminals is also a possibility (30-40%), but will be
heavily dependent on the strength of potential outflows. If
convective activity does initiate over the metro, the best timing
to see storms looks to be between 03-07Z. SCT-BKN skies can be
expected through tonight, with the lowest bases around 10k ft.
Southeast California/Southwest Arizona including KIPL and KBLH:
No major aviation concerns are expected during the TAF period.
Outside of a switch to the S/SW this evening, potentially caused
by an outflow from a distant thunderstorm, winds at IPL should
follow typical diurnal trends. Winds may gust 20-25 kts at times
with the above mentioned feature, but speeds should quickly
diminish thereafter. At BLH, diurnal trends will prevail, but an
E'rly outflow cannot be completely ruled out tonight, but
confidence surrounding this is low at this time. FEW-SCT mid and
high level clouds will be present through much of the forecast
window.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this
afternoon and evening, primarily across south-central Arizona,
with some thunderstorms becoming strong to severe. The primary
threats with any strong thunderstorms will be strong erratic
outflows, locally heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning which
could cause new fire starts. There will be up to a 50-70% chance
for outflow winds to exceed 35 mph and up to a 10% chance for
winds to exceed 58 mph today. Chances for strong thunderstorms
will be present once again Thursday afternoon/evening before
thunderstorm chances begin to decrease starting Friday and remain
confined to the higher terrain this weekend. Outside of any
convection, winds will follow typical upslope/downvalley patterns
with intermittent gusts around 15-20 mph during the afternoon.
Min RHs will mostly range from 15-25%, while Max RHs will mostly
range between 30-60%.
&&
.PSR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AZ...Excessive Heat Warning until 8 PM MST Friday for AZZ530-532.
Blowing Dust Advisory until 11 PM MST this evening for AZZ550-
551-553-554.
CA...Excessive Heat Warning until 8 PM PDT Friday for CAZ560>570.
&&
DISCUSSION...Smith
PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...Salerno
AVIATION...Whittock/Young
FIRE WEATHER...Smith/SalernoSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
659 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
AZZ534-537-538-250230-
Aguila Valley AZ-Tonopah Desert AZ-Northwest Valley AZ-
659 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MARICOPA COUNTY THROUGH 730 PM
MST...
At 659 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles northwest of Buckeye. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary.
Strong, gusty winds will be capable of producing areas of blowing
dust with reduced visibilities below 5 miles.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 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...
Buckeye.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MST for
south central Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3371 11290 3376 11271 3363 11259 3354 11289
TIME...MOT...LOC 0159Z 345DEG 2KT 3367 11278
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
SDBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
736 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
AZZ553-250315-
Northwest Pinal County AZ-
736 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PINAL COUNTY THROUGH 815 PM
MST...
At 735 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Randolph, or over Coolidge. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary.
Strong, gusty winds will be capable of producing areas of blowing
dust with reduced visibilities below 3 miles.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 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...
Casa Grande, Florence, Coolidge, Arizona City, La Palma, Blackwater,
Toltec, Arizola, Randolph, Coolidge Airport, and Valley Farms.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 186 and 204.
AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 174 and 178.
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 124 and 146.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MST for
southeastern Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3277 11175 3276 11177 3307 11174 3304 11135
3297 11134 3290 11145 3276 11162 3273 11169
3273 11174
TIME...MOT...LOC 0235Z 000DEG 1KT 3295 11154
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
SDBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
757 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
AZZ537-541-542-544-250330-
Cave Creek/New River AZ-Deer Valley AZ-Northwest Valley AZ-
North Phoenix/Glendale AZ-
757 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MARICOPA COUNTY THROUGH 830 PM
MST...
At 757 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Arrowhead Mall, or near Glendale, moving south at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, El Mirage, Youngtown, Sun City, Sun City
West, Glendale Sports Complex, Deer Valley Airport, North Mountain
Park, Downtown Peoria, Arrowhead Mall, Downtown Glendale, Metro
Center, Camelback Ranch, and Vistancia.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 207 and 224.
AZ Route 51 between mile markers 8 and 12.
US Highway 60 between mile markers 144 and 155.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MST for
south central Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3357 11199 3350 11230 3375 11238 3382 11207
TIME...MOT...LOC 0257Z 347DEG 9KT 3363 11216
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
SDBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
759 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
AZZ550-551-553-250330-
South Mountain/Ahwatukee AZ-Northwest Pinal County AZ-
Southeast Valley/Queen Creek AZ-
759 PM MST Wed Jul 24 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MARICOPA AND PINAL COUNTIES
THROUGH 830 PM MST...
At 759 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Olberg, or 8 miles southeast of Sun Lakes, moving south at 10 mph.
Strong, gusty winds will be capable of producing areas of blowing
dust with reduced visibilities below 3 miles.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Chandler, Casa Grande, Sun Lakes, Maricopa, Queen Creek, Bapchule,
Olberg, Blackwater, Ak-Chin Village, Sacaton, and Santan.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 165 and 189.
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 140 and 161.
AZ Route 238 between mile markers 41 and 44.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MST for
south central and southeastern Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3298 11211 3327 11212 3322 11169 3295 11159
3295 11209
TIME...MOT...LOC 0259Z 347DEG 9KT 3312 11179
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
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</html>The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 60 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 03:28 UTC.
19 thunderstorm wind, 3 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Large uprooted tree brought down portions of a concrete wall in the area of North 43rd Avenue and West Union Hills Drive in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Trees and powerlines down in the area of North 39th Avenue and West Bell Road in Glendale. Winds gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Powerpole snapped in half in the area of West Union Hills Drive between 35th and 39th Avenue in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Entire section of a brick wall blown down and large tree limbs snapped off in a residential complex located in the area of North 40th Avenue and West Peoria Avenue in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Palm tree fell over powerlines in the area of North 39th Avenue and West Peoria Avenue in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Large tree uprooted in the area of North 39th Avenue and West Peoria Avenue in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
Large uprooted tree that fell between two houses in the area of West Beryl Avenue and North 38th Lane in Glendale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 60 mph. No injuries were reported.
A 58 mph wind gust was measured at the Ak-Chin Regional Airport.
Portion of a large concrete brick wall blew down and damaged a few vehicles near inside the premises of an apartment complex located in the area of 55th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph. No injuries were reported.
Multiple commercial buildings located in the area of Roosevelt Street and North 44th Avenue in Phoenix had most of their solar panels ripped off their roofs and pieces of the buildings were scattered around. Trees 60-80 feet tall were knocked down. Semi-trucks were flipped on their sides. Peak wind gust based on doppler radar estimates was estimated upwards of 75 mph. No injuries were reported.
Large warehouse facility located in the area of West Van Buren Street and North 47th Avenue in Phoenix collapsed with multiple walls and portion of roof missing. A person was trapped underneath the rubble and found deceased approximately 2.5 days later by a search and rescue operations team. Peak wind gust estimated by doppler radar was upwards of 75 mph.
Traffic light support pole fully bent in the opposite direction in the area of Roosevelt Street and North 51st Avenue in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph based on doppler radar estimates. No injuries were reported.
Palm tree snapped in half in the area of Buckeye Road and North 54th Avenue in Phoenix. Winds gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph based on doppler radar estimates. No injuries were reported.
Video evidence showed widespread tree damage in the area of of 43rd Avenue near the Penske Truck Rental in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph. No injuries were reported.
At least three semi-trucks flipped over near Warner Enterprises located in the area of West Lower Buckeye Road and South 49th Avenue in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph. No injuries were reported.
Video showed roof being ripped off of a mobile home in the Catalina Village Mobile Home Park located in the 43rd Avenue and West Roosevelt Street in Phoenix. Winds gusts were estimated upwards of 75 mph based on doppler radar estimates. No injuries were reported.
A mesonet station located in the area of West Lower Buckeye Road and South 43rd Avenue in Phoenix measured a 59 mph wind gust.
Half dollar sized hail reported in the area 19th Avenue and Southern Avenue in Phoenix. No damages nor injuries were reported.
Trees down and roof damage in Casa De Francisco mobile home park in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 70 mph. No injuries were reported.
Quarter-sized hail reported in the area of 7th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix. No damages nor injuries were reported.
Hail up to one-inch in diameter reported in the area of 7th Avenue and Southern Avenue. No damages nor injuries were reported.
Cloud to ground lightning strike set a house on fire in the Laveen area in Phoenix. No injuries were reported.
A mesonet site located at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale measured a 66 mph wind gust.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Wind, Maricopa | 2024-07-24 | 22 | Male | Permanent Structure | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arizona in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Arizona, July 2024
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1202340, 1202344, 1202357, 1202370, 1202312, 1202338, 1202852, 1202311, 1202366, 1202317, 1202318, 1202351, 1202354, 1202362, 1202365, 1202853, 1202330, 1202336, 1202851, 1202346, 1202347, 1202341, 1202332.