Strong Storms Could Bring Damaging Winds, Hail to Mesa and Phoenix on Friday

By Ciara Perez | iSkyNews.com
October 29, 2026

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MESA, Ariz. — Families heading to Halloween events Friday and drivers starting their weekend trips should keep an eye on the sky. Parts of southern and central Arizona, including Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson, could see isolated strong to severe thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Marginal Risk — Level 1 of 5 — for severe weather Friday, October 30. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the main concerns with the strongest storms, according to the outlook issued Thursday.

Glendale and Chandler are also among the larger cities within the risk area, which covers approximately 49,110 square miles and includes about 5.7 million people.

When Storms Could Develop

Forecasters expect scattered thunderstorms to develop Friday afternoon along the Mogollon Rim and near a developing area of low pressure across Arizona.

Moisture moving into southern and central Arizona, combined with cooler air higher in the atmosphere and some daytime heating, could give storms enough energy to strengthen.

Cloud cover may limit that heating, however. Forecasters also expect storm outflows — the cooler air spreading away from thunderstorms — to disrupt some developing storms. As a result, any severe activity will likely be brief.

The outlook covers 5 a.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday, Arizona time, with afternoon development highlighted in the forecast. That broader window does not mean storms will last all day or affect every community.

Southern and Central Arizona Face Marginal Severe Storm Risk Friday / NWS

What a Marginal Risk Means

A Marginal Risk means isolated severe thunderstorms are possible, generally with limited duration or intensity. Widespread severe weather is not expected, but a stronger storm could still cause damage where it develops.

For residents, the practical message is to stay aware of changing conditions and have somewhere to shelter if a storm approaches.

This forecast is for Friday, the day before Halloween. It should not be treated as a forecast for Saturday evening’s trick-or-treating.

Anyone attending a fall festival, outdoor party or sporting event Friday should check the forecast before leaving and identify a nearby building where they can take shelter.

If thunder becomes audible, head inside a substantial building or a fully enclosed, hard-topped vehicle. Porches, open shelters and trees do not provide safe protection from lightning.

Damaging winds and hail can also threaten people and property. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your location, move indoors and stay away from windows.

Residents should follow updated forecasts and alerts as Friday approaches, especially before committing to outdoor plans.

Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, Day 2 Convective Outlook issued October 29, 2026, at 10:29 a.m. Arizona time; outlook text and map supplied to iSkyNews.com.

Forecast updates and safety information:

Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for updates.

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