Associated Press
PHOENIX — A forecast of monsoons arriving this weekend is giving firefighters one more thing to worry about as they battle hot dry conditions around the state.
Fire officials say the risk of wildfires throughout the state will remain high until the weather transitions well into Arizona’s traditional summer rainy season. Firefighters are bracing for potential floods and dry lighting as thunderstorms develop around active wildfires.
Spokesman Bill Boyd says once the monsoon season is in full swing the moisture helps lessen the occurrence of wildfires.
Meteorologist Jessica Nolte says there is enough moisture in the atmosphere to catalyze storms but not necessarily any rain, creating the potential for dry lightning.
Nolte says the winds accompanying those dry thunderstorms could cause challenges for crews working to contain wildfires across the state.