Phoenix has surpassed its average annual rainfall, with a weather system set to bring additional showers and cooler temperatures to the Valley this week. As of 8 a.m. on November 18, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded 7.71 inches of rain, slightly above the 7.22-inch average, according to meteorologist Ryan Worley from the National Weather Service’s Phoenix office.
Worley forecasts that while predicting specific areas with the most rainfall can be challenging, some parts of the Valley could receive between 0.75 and 1 inch of rain. However, he noted that not all regions will experience rainfall in that range, and some could remain relatively dry.
The upcoming storms are expected to usher in cooler-than-average temperatures for an unusually warm November. While high temperatures have been in the high-60s to low-70s, a drop to the mid-60s is anticipated by the middle of the week, marking a decrease of approximately 10 degrees from the seasonal average. Worley characterized this expected cooldown as a refreshing change, particularly as November had begun with unseasonably high temperatures.
Although there is a slight risk of adverse weather such as lightning or flooding, Worley assessed the likelihood of significant flooding as low, estimating the chances to be below 5%. This weather pattern is likely to bring a welcome relief to residents as they enjoy the more comfortable temperatures and the prospect of further rainfall.