PHOENIX — The heat is back and a Heat Watch has been issued for portions of the Valley for Tuesday through Thursday.
ABC 15 will be in Weather Action Mode those days to help prepare you and your family for the weather that is to come.
The combination of the heat and humidity, the valley's heat index values will make it feel two to three degrees hotter each day as humidity stays high.
Heat is the number one weather-related killer. So, remember to limit your time outside during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on kids and the elderly as they can be the most affected by the heat. Bring your pets inside, too.
Temperatures will soar into the middle of the week approaching 115 possibly by Thursday.
Phoenix has now had 43 days this summer at 110 degrees or hotter. That's the second most ever recorded. The record is 53 days set in 2020 and we will definitely make a run at that record this year as high heat continues through August.
We've also had 26 days so far with lows in the 90s. That is already the second most ever recorded and we still have all of August to get through! The record is 28 days set in 2020 and that record will likely get broken this summer.
We could also add to our tally of days at 115 degrees or hotter next week. 2023 is already in the top spot with 19 days so far. The previous record of 14 days was set in 2020.
Now let's talk about the Monsoon and how it looks like it might make an appearance finally this week.
Monsoon storms are most likely across northern, eastern and southeastern Arizona but a few storms could make it into the Valley this week. Chances range between 30 to 50 percent all week long.
Our dry streak count currently sits at 143 days without measurable rain at Sky Harbor.
So far, we have only had a trace of rain at Sky Harbor since the start of the monsoon season. To date, 2023 tied with 1995 for the driest start to the monsoon on record here. (Phoenix didn't get measurable rain until August 14th back in 1995.)
This is also the first time in recorded history that Phoenix has not received any measurable rainfall in the months of April, May, June and July.
With any of the monsoon storms hitting our state, watch out for heavy downpours, dangerous lightning, powerful wind gusts and even isolated flooding. Areas of blowing dust are possible in the Valley and across our central deserts, too.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 2.88" (-1.38" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 3.57"
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Daily rainfall reports from all across the Valley can be found here.
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PHOENIX IS GETTING DRIER - LOWER RAINFALL AVERAGES NOW
Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 2.71" of rain
NEW Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 2.43" of rain
Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 8:03" of rain
NEW Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 7.22" of rain
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