Phoenix’s September-November rainless streak first in 79 years

PHOENIX — Zero measurable rain fell in Phoenix during the months of September, October and November, according to the National Weather Service.

The last time that happened was 1938.

Clouds blew into the Valley several times over that stretch and, while a couple of drops may have fallen, it did not meet the minimum threshold of 1/100th of an inch to be considered measurable.

Weather service meteorologist Chris Kuhlman said, despite cloudy days in Phoenix to close out the week, the 99-day rainless streak had little chance of ending.

“It’s like a 5 percent chance,” he said.

LOTS of mid/high clouds streaming into Arizona today but we aren't looking at any desert rain (maybe a few sprinkles tonight over the high terrain east of Phoenix tho). #azwx pic.twitter.com/IIgcj8wF0J

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) November 30, 2017

Earlier in the week, the weather service estimated there was a decent chance of rain on Monday or Tuesday. That has dwindled as the forecast became clearer.

The lack of rain and wind has caused crud to build in the Valley’s skies. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a high pollution advisory that was in effect on Thursday and Friday.

PM-10 Health Watch in effect today for #Phoenix and a High Pollution Advisory tomorrow due to light winds allowing dust to build up near the surface. Limit any activities that produce dust/smoke. #azwx #phxairquality pic.twitter.com/Y2kG69pMY1

— ADEQ (@ArizonaDEQ) November 29, 2017

The rainless streak continued as Phoenix marked its hottest ever November on record. The average temperature in Phoenix this month was 71.2 degrees, breaking the old record of 70 degrees.

“We’ve just never had any really cool periods,” Kuhlman said. “Typically, during November, we at least have one or two weather systems that come in and cool us down and that really hasn’t happened.”

Highs in Phoenix were expected to drop to nearly 70 degrees next week before climbing back up to nearly 80.

KTAR News’ Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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