Residents of the Phoenix metro area looking for a break from the unusually warm November weather will soon get their wish, as a weather system is predicted to bring cooler temperatures and varying levels of rainfall over the upcoming days. According to Ryan Worley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, parts of the Valley may experience rainfall totals ranging from 0.75 to one inch.
Worley cautioned that not every area will see rainfall within that range and some locations may remain dry with significantly lower amounts. “It’s even possible some places might remain fairly dry and see significantly less rainfall than in that total,” he explained, noting the unpredictability surrounding which areas will receive the most rain. Fortunately, the risk of flooding appears minimal, with Worley estimating it to be below 5%, as the anticipated rain will be spread out over several days rather than falling all at once.
Rainfall is expected to begin as early as the evening of November 17 and will likely continue into November 19, with the morning of the 18th presenting the highest chance of precipitation. Residents might also witness sporadic lightning strikes, although consistent thunderstorm activity is not anticipated.
In addition to the rainfall, this weather system is set to usher in much cooler temperatures, with highs expected in the high 60s and low 70s, dipping to mid-60s by the middle of the week. This shift represents a decline of about 10 degrees below the seasonal average. “Certainly a noticeable cooldown for the area considering how warm we’ve been,” Worley added, highlighting that November began with some of the highest temperatures on record for this time of year.
Despite the forthcoming storm, Worley noted that the Valley has seen slightly above-average rainfall throughout the year. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has recorded 7.49 inches of rain, compared to the 7.22-inch average, indicating a trend of increased precipitation this year. This change in weather not only promises relief from the heat but also contributes to a more balanced climate as the season progresses.