Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer for much of the country, but in metro Phoenix, where high temperatures last through October, that’s far from true.Many Arizonans will be taking advantage of the long holiday weekend, traveling both by air and by road — even when Arizona is seeing average gas prices 50 cents above the national average.One good thing? No major road closures were scheduled for Arizona highways. Still, drivers were being asked to plan ahead as congested roads are expected in the next couple of days.Lower temperatures were expected throughout the holiday weekend, with some chances of rain at the start of the weekend, before they pick back up starting Monday.Here’s the latest on traffic, weather and any major events happening during the weekend. Yuma placed under flood watchIf you live in Yuma, you may want to limit your activities during the afternoon today.The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Yuma, which is in effect today from 12:43 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.In a special weather statement, the weather service said that conditions are favorable throughout the Valley this afternoon for scattered thunderstorms that may produce brief heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 30-40mph.-Abigail Celaya ‘If you haven’t left yet, wait it out’: Holiday traffic delays on I-17Arizona Department of Transportation reported holiday traffic on Interstate 17 around midday on Saturday between Anthem and New River.“If you haven’t left yet, wait it out,” the agency advised.— Lillian Boyd Storm activity begins west of Phoenix, expected through afternoonThe western parts of the Valley saw storm activity late Saturday morning. The National Weather Service in Phoenix predicted the storms will continue through the afternoon.”If you do get under one, expect brief heavy rainfall and wind gusts up to 40 mph,” the weather service said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.— Lillian Boyd National Weather Service: West Valley to see thunderstorm activityTemperatures were expected to remain below normal with afternoon highs failing to reach 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.The weather service forecast thunderstorm activity in western Maricopa County through the Lower Colorado River Basin. Drier conditions were expected to take over by the end of the Labor Day weekend, and temperatures will begin to trend upward by the middle of next week.— Lillian Boyd Western Arizona sees flash flooding riskFriday brought an increase in storm chances for Yavapai and western Coconino counties with downpour at its highest probability Friday through Saturday night, according to the National Weath …
