Thunderstorm Wind — Yuma, Arizona

2024-07-31 · near Blaisdell, Yuma, Arizona

Event narrative

Downed power poles and power lines across I-8 between Fortuna Rd and Foothills Blvd. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 55-60 mph. Timing estimated from radar. No injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

An upper-level low near the northern Baja Peninsula provided strong forcing for ascent across much of the southern half of AZ. This upper-level forcing in combination with MLCAPE values approaching 1000 J/KG, resulted in the development of strong thunderstorm activity across much of southern AZ with additional activity developing in the Yuma area. DCAPE values were in excess of 1500 J/KG and thus conditions were favorable for these thunderstorms to produce strong to severe downburst winds.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.6700, -114.4300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1203080. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.