All the records Arizona could break amid soaring July temperatures
A drier and hotter monsoon pattern has settled in during this record-breaking hot summer, but some parts of the state have already gotten their first glimpses of rain and thunderstorms this week. Here's when and where residents could see more monsoon storms through this weekend.
Northern and southern Arizona have better chances for rain than Phoenix
According to Isaac Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, rain chances will stay away from metro Phoenix every day through early next week, but the Flagstaff and Tucson areas will have the best chances for storms and showers.
Northern high terrains and the state's southeast region up into the White Mountains will see up to a 40% chance of rain for the next several days.
Some areas southeast of Tucson saw a few monsoon showers as early as Saturday, and more thunderstorm activity was seen overnight Tuesday near the metro area. For the remainder of the week, Tucson will see up to 30% rainfall chances, Nogales will see up to 70%, Sierra Vista up to 60% and Safford up to 20%.
Flagstaff also had its first showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday, and moisture levels were expected to keep climbing over the next several days, with the best thunderstorm chances expected over the eastern Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains area. Meteorologist Paige Konieczny advised residents to check the weather and road conditions during storms.
A special weather statement was in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for portions of Gila and Navajo counties for hail and wind hazards. According to the weather service, hail could potentially be pea-sized and wind gusts could go up to 30 mph. Affected areas included Carrizo, Pinetop-Lakeside, Cibecue, North Fork, Cibeque Peak and Round Top Mountain.
Early on Wednesday morning, monsoon rains made a belated appearance in the Phoenix area when some light showers were seen in the southwest Valley. However, Smith said more rainfall in the area will be unlikely for the next couple of weeks, as chances will stay below 5%, according to the weather service.
Although the rains will likely bring some needed cooldown amid soaring temperatures to some parts of the state, Smith advised residents to take the heat "very seriously" as the heatwave is forecast to reach extreme risk levels by this weekend.
Arizona heat about to break multiple records
The weather has already been listed as one the longest heat waves on record in the area.
On Saturday, the Phoenix area broke the record for the most days under an excessive heat warning, which started on July 1 and will be in place through July 18. According to Smith, the number of days of the current warning nearly doubles Phoenix's past record, which was eight days.
On Monday, Tucson also broke that record by a few hours, with an excessive heat warning that lasted close to seven days — six days, 16 hours — from July 2 through July 9. The past record was set in August 2020 with a warning that impacted the area for six days and 10 hours.
But that's not all. This summer is on track to break multiple other records.
Sweltering summer: Arizona breaks excessive heat record, could beat more by this weekend
These are the ones Phoenix could break by next week:
Wednesday was the 13th consecutive day that hit 110 degrees or above recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Temperatures are forecast to stay at or above that mark for the rest of the week into next week, threatening to beat the city's record of 18 days, set in 1974.
Thursday marked the third day in a row with a low temperature above 90 degrees. The longest stretch of consecutive days with lows 90 degrees and above is seven days. "If the forecast holds, we will have the potential to break this record," said the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The city could also beat record highs starting Thursday, with temperatures expected to climb to 115 degrees, with the daily record high being 114 for July 13. Highs for Saturday and Sunday are also forecast to tie records with both days expected to go up to 117 degrees.
Thursday broke another record, this time a daily one. The high temperature at Sky Harbor Airport was 114, seven degrees above normal and also tying a record set only three years ago back in 2020.
Hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:
Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least two liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink one to two liters per hour they are outside.
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
Eat small meals and eat more often: Officials recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.
Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors.
Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Where and when to expect rain in Arizona amid soaring temperatures
