(Photo by Jimmy Jenkins - KJZZ)

A storm approaches the Valley from the east on Oct. 16, 2015.

Storms forecast for the Valley this weekend could raise this month’s total rainfall above the October average, as parts of metro Phoenix may see heavy rain and gusty winds.    

On average, the Valley could get somewhere between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of rain this weekend. That would bring the monthly total to around half an inch or more, which with a quarter-inch having already fallen, could meet or surpass the October average.  

Higher humidity, combined with a system moving inland from the coast of California has created the potential for storms starting Friday afternoon, said Marvin Percha, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

“The best chance for rain is definitely going to be this evening with lesser chances Saturday and even less so on Sunday,” Percha said.

October usually marks a seasonal transition in the Valley, Percha said.

“The beginning of the month is usually fairly summer-like with temperatures in the 90s. And then toward the end, like Halloween, we start seeing our first cool systems,” Percha said.

Phoenix tied a record high of 100 degrees on Wednesday. But temperatures are expected to stay below 90 starting Saturday and lasting through at least Thursday.