Tucson, Arizona, brace yourselves! After a lackluster monsoon season so far, severe thunderstorms are expected across Southeastern Arizona today, August 9th, 2025. Arizona Weather Force issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, effective early this morning, for Eastern Pima County, including Tucson, as well as Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties.
What to Expect:
High instability is present over the watch area this afternoon and evening, even after sunset. The strongest storms are predicted to hit the Sierra Vista forecast zone in Cochise County, but Tucson is also in the path of these potentially dangerous storms. And, of course, expect dust – again!
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms, covering over 50% of the watch zone. This includes the possibility of damaging winds exceeding 50 mph and large hail in the stronger storms.
The Monsoon's Return?
While this Severe Thunderstorm Watch is for today, there's also hope for a more sustained return of the monsoon season. Arizona Weatherman predicts that after a hot week, a ridge building in August will bring back the rain and thunderstorm pattern after August 10th, continuing through mid-August. This is due to the fact that once they move east, monsoon moisture returns.
Why the Slow Start?
The US National Weather Service in Flagstaff attributes the weak monsoon to a strong and persistent trough over the West Coast. This has kept most of Arizona under dry southwesterly winds, pushing monsoon moisture and storms to the east. The lack of rain has also led to a return of fire season across northern and western Arizona.
Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on local weather reports and heed any warnings issued by Arizona Weather Force and the National Weather Service. Be prepared for strong winds, hail, and dust storms if you are in the affected areas. Stay safe, Tucson!