Tucsonans can expect a wet, hot summer, thanks to a monsoon the National Weather Service predicts will bring above-average rain to Arizona.
The official monsoon in Tucson runs from June 15 to Sept. 30; however, rains usually start a little later, says National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Edwards.
Last year, June landed as the fourth hottest and 10th wettest on record.
This June could follow last year’s pattern after an extremely dry winter.
“In previous cases, dry winters have more often than not led to more active than average monsoon seasons,” Edwards said. “That actually has to do with the snowpack in the mountains in the region. An excessive snowpack can lead to a delay in moisture, but we’ve had virtually no snow in the mountains.”
Above-normal temperatures are also expected across all of Arizona, though Edwards says it’s hard to gauge by how much.
“It’s important to stay aware of the forecast as we get into the busy thunderstorm season,” he said. “And not just of monsoons, but of heat safety and being out of the sun during peak hours.”
2024 summer started wet, ended dry
Tucson recorded over five inches of rain in the first half of last year’s monsoon and less than half an inch in the second half, according to the . It was the 61st-driest monsoon period in Tucson’s weather history, dating back to 1895.
There were two tornado warnings issued when a complex of storms struck the Pima County area in mid-July, tearing down trees, powerlines and taking the roof off of an auto parts store. The complex brought numerous microbursts and 70 mph winds across the city.
Throughout the summer, Tucson remained undeniably hot as it brought the fourth-hottest June, second-hottest July and sixth sixth-hottest August on record.
A biker fords the flooded Tucson intersection after a big storm last summer.
Staying safe during monsoons
Tucson’s monsoon can bring strong flash floods, catching hikers and motorists by surprise.
from the National Weather Service to stay safe as heavy rains approach include:
- Watching real-time weather forecasts on TV or the internet
- Subscribing to lightning and severe weather notification services
- Scanning the skies 360 degrees around and overhead before leaving a safe location
- Storing materials above flood levels
- Contacting an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage.