Spring storm tempers Arizona heat by Steph Ball
The arrival of a spring storm has brought a dramatic change in the weather across Arizona, after two days of record-breaking heat.
High pressure and southerly winds earlier in the week caused temperatures to soar not just across Arizona but across most of the western US. Highs last Sunday rose above 38C (100F) in Phoenix for the first time this year, peaking at 41C (105F). The heat then intensified on Monday, soaring to 43C (110F) and prompting the issue of excessive-heat warnings. This was the first time since records began in Phoenix that the 38 and 43C (100 and 110F) marks were reached on consecutive days.
Yesterday though saw an area of low pressure collide with moist air off the Gulf of Mexico, triggering severe thunderstorms across the High Plains. Snow advisories were issued for the mountains of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Montana.
The storm also brought cooler temperatures and strong winds across Arizona, with a change to westerly winds off the Pacific. On Wednesday highs were nearer 34C (93F) in Phoenix. However the forecast is for temperatures to drop further over the next couple of days, with a risk of storms. Highs are expected to fall into the low to mid 20Cs (70s in Fahrenheit).