Arizona is gearing up for a major weather pattern shift in the coming days, as heat intensifies and storm chances ramp up across the state. The Valley, including Phoenix, could experience patchy blowing dust as early as Thursday afternoon, while the best chances for storms will be in the higher elevations.

Today, the Valley can expect a sunny and dry day with temperatures reaching a near-normal peak of 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Light winds are forecasted for the region. However, high pressure is set to strengthen and move closer to Arizona tomorrow, causing temperatures to soar even higher, with a predicted peak of 114 degrees in the Valley.

As a result, tomorrow has been designated as a First Alert Weather Day, with an Excessive Heat Warning in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions and stay hydrated.

The arrival of monsoon moisture in Arizona is expected on Thursday, with chances of storms continuing through at least early next week. The higher elevations will have the greatest likelihood of storms, while the Valley might encounter patchy, blowing dust as the monsoon moisture moves in.

Storm chances for the Valley range from 20% to 30% from Thursday through next Monday, while areas like Flagstaff have a higher chance of storms at around 50%. Eastern Arizona is predicted to experience even higher chances of storms, ranging from 60% to 70%, starting on Thursday.

Although the heat is expected to slightly ease up over the weekend in the Valley, temperatures are still anticipated to remain hot, reaching around 111 to 112 degrees.

With the monsoon season approaching, it is important for residents across Arizona to stay informed and prepared for the changes in weather patterns. As always, it is crucial to stay up to date with weather forecasts, take caution during thunderstorms, and follow any safety guidelines provided by local authorities.

Stay tuned for further developments on the monsoon storms and their impacts on different regions in Arizona.