PHOENIX — Big changes are on the way this weekend!
A rare and unusual weather pattern is setting up that could bring historic early June rain to Arizona.
A low-pressure system spinning off the coast of Baja is teaming up with moisture from Tropical Storm Alvin.
ABC15
As it drifts closer, we’re tracking the potential for scattered to widespread showers and storms on Sunday, especially from the afternoon into the evening.
ABC15
Sunday is an ABC15 Weather Action Day as a reminder to stay weather-aware and be ready to adjust outdoor plans. Rain, lightning, and gusty winds could all impact your day.
ABC15
Some areas in the Valley could see 0.10″ to 0.25″ of rain, with slick roads and reduced visibility at times.
This type of rain is extremely rare for early June! Phoenix has only recorded measurable rainfall on June 1 once in the past 125+ years… all the way back in 1914. If it rains this Sunday, it’ll go down in the record books.
ABC15
Until then, we’re still toasty!
The Valley will be near 100° through Saturday. As clouds and rain roll in Sunday, temps take a tumble into the low to mid 90s, and we’ll stay cooler into next week.
ABC15
We’re also keeping an eye on another system around midweek. It might not bring much rain, but it’s part of this active stretch we’re tracking.
Stay tuned to ABC15 for further updates ahead of the storms!
Rare June Rain in Arizona: What to Expect This Weekend
Time.news sits down with meteorologist Dr. Aris Thorne to discuss the unusual weather pattern heading towards Arizona this weekend, possibly bringing historic early June rain.
Time.news: Dr. Thorne, thanks for joining us. A lot of people in Arizona are talking about this unusual forecast. Can you break down what’s happening?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Certainly. We’re seeing a very captivating weather pattern developing. Currently, a low-pressure system off the coast of Baja California is interacting with moisture from Tropical Storm Alvin. This combination is creating a scenario were we could see scattered to widespread showers and storms across Arizona, particularly on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Time.news: The report mentioned that this type of rain is extremely rare for early June. How rare are we talking?
Dr. Aris Thorne: In Phoenix, measurable rainfall on June 1st has only occurred once in recorded history – all the way back in 1914. If we get rain this Sunday, it will be a truly historic event. It highlights just how unusual this weather system is.
time.news: What kind of impact can residents expect from thes storms, and what precautions should they take?
dr. Aris Thorne: According to ABC15, Sunday is being designated a “Weather Action Day,” which is a good reminder to stay vigilant. Some areas in the Valley could see between 0.10″ and 0.25″ of rain. This could lead to slick roads and reduced visibility, so drivers need to be extra cautious. There’s also a potential for lightning and gusty winds, so it’s wise to secure any loose outdoor items and be prepared to adjust outdoor plans.
Time.news: Does this event signal anything about the upcoming monsoon season? Arizona’s monsoon is a crucial weather event.
Dr. Aris thorne: It’s difficult to say definitively whether this event foreshadows the entire monsoon season. The monsoon is a complex weather pattern. Though, any early moisture is welcome, especially considering the drought conditions we’ve experienced in the past [2]. It’s important to remember that a hot June can sometimes be followed by a wetter July [1].
Time.news: With temperatures hovering near 100 degrees leading up to the weekend, how will the rain affect temperatures?
Dr. Aris Thorne: The good news is that the clouds and rain will bring some relief from the heat. Temperatures are expected to drop into the low to mid-90s on Sunday and remain cooler into the following week. This will be a welcome change for many.
Time.news: Are there other factors contributing to this atypical weather pattern that residents should be aware of?
Dr. Aris Thorne: While the interaction of the low-pressure system and Tropical Storm Alvin is the primary driver, it’s also worth noting that remnants of hurricanes can sometimes fuel June rain events in Arizona[3]. Although that’s not the direct cause this time, it’s a good reminder that these types of systems can influence our weather patterns.
Time.news: any last words of advice for our readers as they prepare for the weekend?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Stay informed! Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts, especially from ABC15, and be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Be mindful of potential hazards like slick roads, lightning, and gusty winds. And most importantly, stay safe. We’re also keeping an eye on another system around midweek. It might not bring much rain, but it’s part of this active stretch we’re tracking.
