Flagstaff, AZ
Weather Forecast Office
FXUS65 KFGZ 212142 AFDFGZ Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 242 PM MST Fri May 21 2021 .SYNOPSIS...A low pressure system will bring strong southwest winds through Saturday with a fire weather threat continuing in some areas. Lighter winds and warming temperatures are in store for Sunday and early next week. && .DISCUSSION...A strong low pressure system remains entrenched across the western states. This same system delivered some welcome showers earlier on Friday along with unwelcome wind. Many gust into the 50 mph range with a few gusts over 60 mph mid afternoon Friday. Local dense blowing dust has been reported with visibility down to less than 1/4 mile in spots. As a consequence of the wind power outages, a few tree blow downs and minor damage to buildings has been reported. Winds will calm down overnight but remain locally gusty near and downwind of terrain features at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. For Saturday...The low will continue to spin essentially in place with another round of strong winds. Pressure gradients should weaken some but will still be capable of delivering wind gusts to around 50 mph. Ares of blowing dust are expected across portions of the Navajo/Hopi nations. In addition, a drier air mass will punch across Arizona with fire weather conditions remaining a concern. In places that received ample rain the fire weather threat will be minimal but many other locations only received a sprinkle to a few hundredths of an inch. The area of primary wind and fire weather concern will be from about Flagstaff north and east. Blowing dust is expected Saturday afternoon. From Sunday onward...A dry pattern ahead. The western states low exits Arizona with warming temperatures and lighter winds through Tuesday. Later in the week a trough will begin to set up along the west coast which would favor gusty afternoon winds and elevated fire weather conditions. && .AVIATION...For the 00Z package...Mostly VFR conditions with gusty south to southwest winds at 20-30 kts gusting 30-45 kts. Localized MVFR and IFR conditions possible in blowing dust. Low-level wind shear with turbulence and gusty winds to the surface likely along and northeast of higher terrain tonight into early Saturday morning. Strong south to southwest winds with blowing dust return after 16Z mostly east of the I-40/Hwy-89 corridor. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER...Expect strong southwest winds Saturday mostly east of the I-40/Hwy-89 corridor. A Red Flag Warning is in place for areas 109-114, and 139-140. Other areas will see near critical fire weather conditions. Sunday will see west to southwest breezes and continued dry conditions. Monday through Wednesday...Breezy winds, dry conditions and temperatures warming about 10 degrees. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MST this evening FOR AZZ104>109-112- 137-138. Wind Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening FOR AZZ004>017-037>040. Fire Weather Watch from Saturday morning through Saturday evening FOR AZZ109>117-139-140. Wind Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM MST Saturday FOR AZZ009>017-039- 040. && PUBLIC...McCollum AVIATION...DB FIRE WEATHER...DB For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff
