Monsoon season in Phoenix wetter than past two seasons combined
Jul 24, 2021, 10:00 AM | Updated: 12:05 pm
U.S .60 westbound off-ramp at Country Club. (Twitter Photo/@ArizonaDOT)
(Twitter Photo/@ArizonaDOT)
PHOENIX — This year’s monsoon season in Phoenix on Saturday officially became wetter than the previous two seasons combined, according to the National Weather Service.
The season, which started June 15, has a rainfall record of 1.7 inches. The previous two years combined recorded 1.66 inches at Sky Harbor.
Strong storms brought buckets of rains to metro Phoenix starting Thursday evening and extending into the weekend.
Rainfall totals eclipsed more than three inches in some parts of the Valley, including one gauge in Scottsdale that recorded more than 3.5 inches.
At least half of Phoenix saw rain on Saturday, with more chances of flash flooding and storms continuing through Sunday.
So far today 65% of the Phoenix area has seen some rain, with an average of about 0.1". Potential for heavy rain and flash flooding continues through tomorrow. #azwx https://t.co/U0wzPxoCEM pic.twitter.com/CVT7koLCNN
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 24, 2021
On Saturday, Phoenix added another 0.14 inches of rain by 6 a.m. putting the July total at 1.5 inches, making it the 19th wettest July on record in Phoenix since 1896, according to NWS Phoenix.
Since midnight, Phoenix has clicked off another 0.14" of rain putting the July total at 1.52". This makes July 2021 the 19th wettest July on record in Phoenix (since 1896) w/ still a week to go in the month. Highly doubtful we'll reach the July record of 6.47" (1911). #azwx
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 24, 2021
Crews worked to restore power and clean up debris. Multiple streets in flood-prone areas were closed.
Other parts of the East Valley neared two inches while portions of the North Valley also saw totals of more than 3.5 inches.
The West Valley saw some storm activity but most gauges didn’t capture more than a half-inch of water.
The impact of the storms knocked down trees, fencing, and even power. It also triggered flash flood warnings in some Phoenix suburbs.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued such a warning for portions of south and central Arizona through Sunday. Forecasters warned that areas with burn scars from old wildfires could be at risk for flash flooding.
In more urban areas like Phoenix, there are flood risks on highways, streets and underpasses. Drivers are being advised not to try to cross any flooded path.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
