Chance of monsoon repeat Friday

The Southeast Valley saw the most monsoon action Thursday with the heaviest rain and lightning in Ahwatukee, Tempe and Chandler.

Thursday's storm, with 230 lightning strikes between 10-11 p.m., was typical for this time of year, said Jaret Rogers, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix. And there's a 20 percent chance a storm will brew Friday night, so Rogers cautioned Independence Day revelers to seek shelter if lighting returns.

The temperature is expected to hit 106 Friday, but humidity will also be high.

Thunderstorms formed around 6 p.m. Thursday in northeast Phoenix and swept across the Valley while additional storms developed in the East Valley. Ahwatukee saw about a quarter inch of rain while the rest of the Valley saw a spattering. The South Mountain area was also hard hit with nearly an inch of rain.

Laveen, near the Ethan Fire that's burned since last Wednesday after lighting struck the area near the Gila River Indian Community, also saw heavy rainfall with about a quarter of an inch falling.

"The later we get into the monsoon season we'll start seeing more abundant moisture leading to more active storms," Rogers said.

Lightning strikes over St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix July 3, 2008.