Rain, winds, hail?

Were you lonely last week?  Things just weren’t the same without our trusty monsoons!  Just like the NFL withdrawal has come to a close, so has this one.  Rain is coming back to the Valley…in a BIG way!

(Courtesy of Aric Johnson – Arizona Republic)

Heavy rain, damaging winds and possibly hail will likely hit the Phoenix area beginning Monday afternoon.

The chances of rain have jumped to 60 percent, from 20 percent just a few hours ago. In addition, winds could reach more than 60 mph in some areas, said Craig Ellis, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Rain could be heavy in some areas.

// A weak low-pressure system moving from the southeast is the cause of the rapidly changing forecasts. Temperatures had been expected to soar to near 110, but the forecast changed as the low-pressure system brought monsoon moisture back to the Valley. Humidity is more than 40 percent, according to the Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to reach 103 in Phoenix.

Afternoon thunderstorms are possible through Friday, but those chances diminish for the Phoenix area as the week goes on and the air dries out.