Arizona – Residents across Arizona should prepare for possible thunderstorms affecting both high and low terrain areas on Monday, September 1, 2025. The Arizona Weather Force has issued a Thunderstorm Statement covering multiple zones, signaling a heightened chance of storm activity throughout the day and evening.
With a shifting ridge of high pressure influencing weather patterns, various counties including Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, Graham, Greenlee, and Gila along with the Mogollon Rim are under alert for potential thunderstorm development. Arizona Weather Force warns that these storms may bring strong outflow winds and localized heavy downpours.
Understanding the Atmospheric Setup
The current weather pattern involves a ridge of high pressure that has formed over Gila County and is expected to shift northward. This setup creates a northeast to southwest flow at the southern edge of the ridge, increasing the likelihood of storm formation across the region.
- A Thunderstorm Watch was already issued on August 31st, 2025 for Southeastern Arizona counties such as Cochise and Santa Cruz, including Sierra Vista.
- Sierra Vista is positioned near the epicenter of these dynamics, primed for evening and nighttime storm activity.
- The Thunderstorm Statement indicates this is a prelude to a possible final alert that may be released closer to the event.
Which Areas Will Be Most Affected?
Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the High County north and east of Phoenix and Pinal by the afternoon, then move south and east with strong outflow winds. This may trigger pop-up, hit-and-miss thunderstorms during the evening hours in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
- These storms will likely produce gusty winds and brief heavy downpours.
- Not all communities will experience these storms due to the scattered and unpredictable nature of the outflow-driven activity.
- Storm activity will also progress from north to south across Greenlee and Graham counties, increasing the chance of storms near Safford.
- Areas west of Maricopa County, including the La Paz region, could see overnight showers or thunderstorms if outflow winds are strong enough.
Monitoring and Final Alerts
The Arizona Weather Force will continue to track the evolving weather system closely. According to Master General Meteorologist Raiden Storm, the Thunderstorm Statement is an early advisory issued a day before the event, signaling the possibility of upcoming watches or weather advisories.
“A Thunderstorm Statement means a Thunderstorm Watch or Weather Advisory is pending for release the morning of the event. Early public awareness is critical,” said Raiden Storm.
Residents should stay informed via official updates, including the source Thunderstorm Watch for Southeastern Arizona available here.
Key Points at a Glance
- When: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Where: Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, Graham, Greenlee, Gila counties, and the Mogollon Rim
- Timing: Afternoon development with evening and overnight activity
- Storm Characteristics: Hit-and-miss thunderstorms, gusty outflow winds, and brief heavy rain
- Monitoring: Arizona Weather Force will issue final alerts as needed
As always, it is recommended that residents prepare for sudden weather changes by securing outdoor items, staying indoors during storms, and keeping an eye on official weather updates.
Stay Prepared and Engaged
Arizona’s diverse terrain often brings complex weather situations, and being informed can make all the difference. Whether you live in the mountain highlands or the desert lowlands, it’s important to remain vigilant as these storms develop.
