WESTERN U.S. ADDS THUNDERSTORMS, FIRE DANGERS TO
HIGH HEAT OUTLOOK THROUGH WEEKEND

July 22, 2005 — NOAA National Weather Service forecasters expect an increase in seasonal monsoon moisture that could cause local thunderstorms to grow this weekend throughout the southwestern United States. (Click NOAA image for lager view of the fire weather outlook for July 22, 2005, from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. Click here for latest fire weather outlook. Please credit “NOAA.”)

"Rising humidity levels are pushing into southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado as a result of the seasonal monsoon surge and the remnants of Hurricane Emily," said Craig Schmidt, meteorologist and public dissemination chief with the NOAA National Weather Service Western Region in Salt Lake City. While temperatures will lower slightly as a result of increasing clouds in the region, Schmidt emphasized that temperatures will remain above average throughout the region.

NOAA weather forecast offices are advising that this start of the monsoon season will continue to be hot and uncomfortable, and people should continue measures to protect themselves and avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day. Schmidt said, "This is especially important for children, the elderly and anyone with health problems."

Increased moisture led to very heavy local rains in the Tucson, Ariz., area Wednesday evening, and thunderstorms are expected to slowly push farther north into southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado through the next few days.

The potential for flash floods and fires accompanying these meteorological conditions could further compound the area's high-heat conditions.

Mountain and desert terrains invite flash flooding, even in areas where no rainfall occurs. As a result, Schmidt cautions, "Pay attention to the terrain around you and avoid canyons, dry creek beds and other low-level, runoff areas. Flooding often occurs with very little time to escape to higher ground."

An increased risk of fires is also possible because of lightning associated with the thunderstorm activity. Fuels such as cheat grass are abundant and are easily ignited by lightning or any careless spark. Schmidt reminds everyone that, once ignited, these fires can become very intense and spread rapidly.

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Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Weather Service Western Region

NOAA Fire Weather Information Center

NOAA Weather Safety

NOAA U.S. Hazards Assessment

NOAA U.S. Drought Assessment

NOAA Heat Index

NOAA Drought Information Center

NOAA Storm Watch

Media Contact:
Jim Teet, NOAA National Weather Service Western Region, (801) 524-5692, ext. 226