Weather Predictions: Storms to make a return in the Valley this week!
The monsoon season is upon us in Arizona, and meteorologists at the National Weather Service offices in cities like Phoenix and Tucson are busy forecasting weather development for the region.
During this season, daily rainfall reports from across the Valley can be found here. For those planning ahead, the full 7-Day forecast is available on the same website.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010) was 8.03" of rain. However, the NEW average (1991-2020) has decreased to 7.22", a drop of 0.81". Similarly, the average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010) was 2.71" of rain, but the NEW average (1991-2020) is 2.43", a decrease of 0.28". This indicates that Phoenix is getting drier with lower rainfall averages now.
As high pressure returns over the weekend and early next week, the forecast looks hotter and drier across Arizona. However, a storm system approaching from the west is expected to tap into remnant moisture from Tropical Depression Mario, increasing the chances for showers and thunderstorms. In the Valley, chances for these weather events will increase significantly from Thursday evening to Friday evening.
During this period, temperatures will drop into the 90s, but it will be very humid as the moisture moves in. Watch out for gusty winds, blowing dust, dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, and heavy downpours that could lead to localized flooding.
It's important to note that the combination of these factors could bring severe weather to parts of Arizona. To stay updated, an Interactive Arizona Radar is available here.
In other news, NAU researchers have helped develop a nationwide database to help fight wildfires. And for those considering solar or electric vehicles, energy tax incentives are ending soon. The Colorado River storage is also expected to reach critical lows by 2026.
Lastly, don't forget to share your weather photos and videos with us anytime at our website. Stay safe and stay informed!
