Phoenix records wettest day of the year; slim chances of showers during week ahead

Flooding as a result of heavy rainfall at the intersection of South Sunland Gin Road and West Battaglia Drive in Arizona City.
Flooding as a result of heavy rainfall at the intersection of South Sunland Gin Road and West Battaglia Drive in Arizona City.

Phoenix reported its wettest day of the year on Saturday with a record daily rainfall of 0.76 inches, its highest since Dec. 24, 2021, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

The weather service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport said that parts of eastern Phoenix received more than 1 inch in recorded rainfall, with some higher terrain areas reaching up to 2 inches.

The weather service in Tucson said on Sunday that high rainfall amounts were seen across western Pima, Pinal, Graham and Greenlee counties, with some areas receiving 2 to 3 inches. The weather service said rain totals in Tucson metro have averaged around 0.5 to 0.75 inches.

The weather service in Flagstaff advised drivers in northern Arizona to be aware of poor visibility conditions in the morning due to fog, which they said should dissipate in the afternoon. Rainfall totals in areas of Apache and Gila counties reached almost 1 inch on Saturday, according to the weather service.

Saul Ruiz, 7, takes a video of the view at Dobbins Lookout on an overcast day on Dec. 4, 2022, in Phoenix.
Saul Ruiz, 7, takes a video of the view at Dobbins Lookout on an overcast day on Dec. 4, 2022, in Phoenix.

The record amount of rainfall led to some adverse conditions across the state. Heavy flooding around Arizona City on Sunday prompted road closures and disabled multiple vehicles, according to a series of tweets from the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office announced that the intersection of West Battaglia Drive and South Sunland Gin Road in Arizona City was closed due to flooding, and advised people to avoid travel until the water level decreases.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also announced the closure of Loma and Edison roads westbound from Roosevelt Avenue due to flooding in the city of Maricopa.

Cooler temperatures expected throughout week in Phoenix

A trio of friends hand out and snack on an overcast at Dobbins Lookout on Dec. 4, 2022, in Phoenix.
A trio of friends hand out and snack on an overcast at Dobbins Lookout on Dec. 4, 2022, in Phoenix.

The storm system moving eastward across Arizona is projected to dissipate by the afternoon on Sunday, according to a tweet from the weather service's Phoenix office. Fog developments are expected Monday morning as a result of the rain and moisture in the area, and temperatures should range between the mid-50s to upper 60s.

The weather service projected cooler temperatures to continue, with a slight chance of showers on Tuesday.

"By Wednesday, we're going to be looking at highs in the low to mid-60s, and that will just continue throughout the rest of the week," a spokesperson for the weather service's Phoenix office said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix records wettest day of the year after weekend rain