PHOENIX — Arizona is still under a Flood Watch, and the weather story is not trying to be subtle about it. AZFamily reported on Sep. 16, 2026, that it is a First Alert Weather Day, with rain and thunderstorms forecast today across the Valley and the state.
The timing matters. According to AZFamily, rain in the Valley has been pushed back by several hours. Heavy rain was originally expected this morning, but the latest update says it is now more likely to begin later this morning and then peak this afternoon and evening. That is the kind of forecast that turns a normal day into one of those days where everyone keeps checking the sky like it owes them money.
The station also said heavy rain and flash flooding remain a concern. That is the part of the forecast that tends to get the most attention, and for good reason. A Flood Watch is not a decorative label. It is the weather service saying conditions are in place for flooding, which is usually the point where people start pretending they were always going to move the patio furniture.
AZFamily’s update, published by April Warnecke, said Ian Schwartz had the latest on the rain chances. The report also noted that there are 4 weather alerts in effect. In a state where monsoon season can turn a calm morning into a soggy afternoon, that is not exactly the sort of bulletin anyone files under “great news, carry on.”
For now, the main message is simple: rain and thunderstorms are still in the forecast, and the heavier stuff is expected later in the day. That is the kind of setup that rewards a little patience and a lot of common sense, which is to say it may be the rare day when the weather app earns its keep.
Bill Farr
