ARIZONA NEWS

Rain in Phoenix this week a possibility as drought record inches closer

Aug 14, 2023, 12:15 PM | Updated: Aug 15, 2023, 6:53 am

Cloudy weather...

(Photo by Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)

(Photo by Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Phoenix is getting closer to its drought record but rain could be on its way soon.

The city sat at 144 consecutive days without rain as of Monday, passing a 2006 streak for the second-longest since official records started at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in 1896.

Rain chances for Monday night sat at 40% with possible precipitation in the forecast through the entire week.

“There is an off-chance we could see a shower at Sky Harbor [tonight],” Mark O’Malley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

How likely is the 51-year drought record to be broken?

Some rain has fallen across metro Phoenix in the past few weeks, but Sky Harbor hasn’t been so lucky.

O’Malley said that if rain doesn’t fall at the airport early in the week, the weekend would provide a better chance for the slow monsoon season to come to life.

Rain chances are up to 50% on Saturday, NWS said.

The Phoenix drought record of 160 days was set in 1972.

“There’s still some time left and we may get into a bit of a wetter pattern into the weekend so there is some hope on the horizon,” O’Malley said.

What about the heat?

No, the possibility of rain isn’t having much of an effect on the heat.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect for metro Phoenix from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday.

Highs are forecast to creep into the 110s, but that’s nothing new for Phoenix.

Arizona’s largest city is coming off the hottest month ever recorded in a U.S. city with an average temperature of 102.7 degrees recorded in July.

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

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Republican presidential candidates, from left, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jers...

Associated Press

3rd Republican presidential debate is set for Nov. 8 in Miami, with the strictest qualifications yet

The third Republican presidential debate will be held in Miami on Nov. 8, a day after several states hold off-year elections.

12 minutes ago

During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal ...

Associated Press

The fall equinox is here. What does that mean?

The equinox arrives on Saturday, marking the start of the fall season for the Northern Hemisphere. But what does that actually mean?

1 hour ago

Tempe police officer Candance Kanavel is competing in the Miss USA pagaent. (City of Tempe)...

Danny Shapiro

Tempe police officer to compete in Miss USA Pageant as Miss Arizona

A Tempe police officer will trade in her badge for a crown next week when she competes in the Miss USA Pageant as Miss Arizona.

3 hours ago

A Border Patrol officer sits inside his car as he guards the US/Mexico border fence, in Nogales, Ar...

Serena O'Sullivan

Gov. Hobbs to grant $10 million to Nogales Police Department for border security

Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Friday a $10 million grant to the Nogales Police Department that will help protect the U.S.-Mexico border.

4 hours ago

Chandler residents can apply to 4 new assistance programs...

Serena O'Sullivan

New programs help Chandler residents with neighborhood improvements

Chandler residents could soon say goodbye to cracked sidewalks, cat colonies and loneliness thanks to four city assistance programs.

5 hours ago

North High School...

KTAR.com

Student at North High School in Phoenix arrested after being found with handgun

A student at North High School in Phoenix was arrested Thursday after he was found with a handgun on campus, authorities said.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

...

Mayo Clinic

Game on! Expert sports physicals focused on you

With tryouts quickly approaching, now is the time for parents to schedule physicals for their student-athlete. The Arizona Interscholastic Association requires that all student-athletes must have a physical exam completed before participating in team practices or competition.

...

Ability360

At Ability360, every day is Independence Day

With 100 different programs and services, more than 1,500 non-medically based home care staff, a world-renowned Sports & Fitness Center and over 15,000 people with disabilities served annually, across all ages and demographics, Ability360 is a nationwide leader in the disability community.

Rain in Phoenix this week a possibility as drought record inches closer