PHOENIX — Parts of the Valley started the day with loud thunderstorms that brought a lot of lightning and pockets of heavy rain.
Unfortunately, Phoenix and much of the west Valley missed out. That includes our official rain gauge at Sky Harbor which only picked up a trace of rain overnight.
Phoenix is currently in the middle of the fourth-longest dry streak on record. It has been 138 days since we've had measurable rain at Sky Harbor.
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.
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 starts to the monsoon on record here. (Phoenix didn't get measurable rain until August 14th back in 1995.)
There is a slight chance of more monsoon storms in the Valley overnight into Wednesday morning and another slight chance on Thursday before we dry out again heading into the weekend.
Across northern and eastern Arizona, monsoon storms will continue to develop each day through the weekend and early next week. Those storms could bring heavy downpours, dangerous lightning, powerful wind gusts and even isolated flooding.
Back here in the Valley, temperatures will likely stay below 110 degrees Wednesday through Saturday but we're expecting to heat back up again early next week.
Phoenix has now had 41 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 24 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.
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 2.88" (-1.22" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 3.57"
__________________________________________
Daily rainfall reports from all across the Valley can be found here.
__________________________________________
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
__________________________________________
Share your weather photos and videos with us anytime.
Email share@abc15.com
_____________________________________
