Metro Phoenix soaks in wettest July since rain indexing began in 1990
Aug 2, 2021, 5:00 PM
(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
PHOENIX – The month of July was all kinds of interesting for weather watchers in and around Phoenix, with more rain than usual and slightly cooler temperatures, forecasters said Monday.
Metro Phoenix’s official gauge at Sky Harbor Airport recorded 1.73 inches of rain in July – the norm is .91 – and the area’s rainfall index noted the average for the 31 days was a whopping 2.81 inches, the most since tracking began in 1990.
In fact, “That’s the wettest value that we’ve ever seen [for the index] in either July or August,” National Weather Service Phoenix bureau meteorologist Jaret Rogers told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
Also of note, July 2021 was the wettest July or August since at least 1990 per the Phoenix Rainfall Index, with an average of 2.81" received.
This index averages rain gauges across the Valley. You can find the most current and historical info here:https://t.co/U0wzPxGdwk#azwx pic.twitter.com/cvcdimDcvh
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 1, 2021
The index is made up of “all the reliable rain gauges” across the Valley, Rogers said.
Some gauges accumulated more than the average – Scottsdale was swamped in a single day with about 3 inches. A Deer Valley gauge also boasted 3 inches, Rogers said.
August also has the potential to exceed its overall precipitation averages in Arizona, the weather services’ Climate Prediction Center said.
For August, @NWSCPC is highlighting odds favoring above-normal precipitation for all of Arizona. #azwx pic.twitter.com/OHz6pU2Qae
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 1, 2021
In even better news, with rain has come a drop in the average high temperature, from its usual 106.5 degrees to 103.6 degrees.
“It’s pretty rare to see a below-normal July,” Rogers said. “I believe it’s certainly welcome for most people.”
The early part of this week should be clear, dry and hot, the forecast shows.
Monday’s high was expected to reach 108 degrees with a low of 86. More heat follows with 110 degrees on Tuesday, 111 degrees Wednesday and 109 on Thursday. Then there’s a nice roll downhill to 105 degrees Friday, when chance of rain kicks in and hovers between 20% and 30% through the weekend.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.
