Southwestern US monsoon rains bring flash flood risk across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah

Monsoon rains are expected to persist across the Southwest United States this week, with the Weather Prediction Center assigning a slight risk (level 2 of 4) of excessive rainfall that could trigger flash flooding. Areas of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah may receive more than three inches of rain by week’s end, while surrounding states such as Texas and Colorado could also see heavy precipitation.

Flash flood watches have been issued for southern Grant County, most of Luna County and all of Hidalgo County in New Mexico. Burn‑scarred terrain from recent wildfires is especially vulnerable, increasing the danger of rapid runoff, debris flows, rock slides and landslides. Residents are advised to avoid low‑lying areas and to stay alert for quickly rising streams.