Arizona’s monsoon season not likely to bring any dramatic storms, weather officials say

PHOENIX — Waiting for the powerful monsoon season to cool down temperatures across the Valley? Don’t hold your breath. Weather officials said it’s unlikely for rain and storms to hit the metro Phoenix area any time soon.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Worley said rain will be relatively inactive across a good portion of the metro Phoenix region.

“There are a few areas over the next few days that could see some rainfall,” Worley told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “But those areas are primarily to the north of the Phoenix metro.”

In fact, the Flagstaff office of NWS predicted a 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Not to be held back any longer, the Monsoon has too much pride. It returns today, but especially over the weekend, perhaps for the last time. A few more days to add to the totals, the rumbling skies and the lightning flashing in our eyes. One more time, enjoy it if you can. #azwx pic.twitter.com/ehv8R8u5jV

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) September 6, 2024

The percentages are far lower for the Valley. Specifically, Phoenix has a measly 3% chance of seeing rain over the weekend.

“It’s looking like we’re going to remain mostly dry throughout the next week or so,” Worley said. “In terms of the monsoon, it looks like we might be not seeing a whole lot over as we push to the end of the season, to the end of September.”

The monsoon season runs until Sept. 30.

“Hopefully, things can play out in our favor and we can get a little more rainfall in the back half of the season,” Worley said.

So far this year, Arizona has not seen a powerful monsoon season

However, it’s starting to look like this year’s monsoon season is running out of gas, according to Valerie Meola, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

“It looks like we’re starting to see a shift in the pattern,” she said. “Might be a little more fall-like as we go into next week.”

Despite northern Arizona’s decent odds of seeing rain this weekend, the forecast looks dry after Monday, she added.

“I think there’s the potential any given storm could have a decent amount of rainfall,” Meola said. “We will have to wait to see what what develops each day, but it doesn’t look like there’s an excessive amount of moisture.”

What’s the weather in the Valley look like moving forward?

Instead of expecting powerful monsoon season storms to rain down on their heads, those who live in metro Phoenix should know there is an excessive heat warning in place through 8 p.m. Friday.

NWS meteorologists issue excessive heat warnings to alert the public about extremely dangerous heat conditions.

People who have to spend time outdoors during periods of excessive heat should stay hydrated, apply sunscreen to exposed skin, wear loose-fit clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade, according to experts.

The highs on Saturday and Sunday are both expected to be around 106 degrees, according to NWS’ Phoenix forecast.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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