The Monsoon Rainfall Page

THE 2021 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2021 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of June 21st we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on June 19th.!! This is one earliest starts by old dewpoint method!!

June 15th - We had a dry Microburst go though here in the last 30 minutes the temperature rose from 104°F at 8:20pm to 111°F at 9:20pm and a peak wind sustained at 33 mph with a gust of 49 mph at 8:57pm. This was caused by a collapsing thunderstorm with very little moisture so the air heated up as it came rushing to the ground causing a heat burst. Heat bursts are interesting, relatively rare, atmospheric nighttime events characterized by gusty winds, a rapid increase in surface temperature, and a decrease in surface dewpoint associated with a dissipating thunderstorm. Deer Valley Airport nearby had a similar experience just after 9pm with a 51 mph gust and temperature rise from 108°F to 111°F in 9 min!

June 19th - Jun 21st - As of June 21st we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above this means that the season began on June 19th.!! This is one earliest starts by old traditional dewpoint method!! Although this is still considered a low grade Monsoon pattern with mainly mid and high level moisture streaming into Arizona as we have recently experiencing an intense heat wave with the Monsoon Ridge directly overhead it is
now settling a little bit to the south. It is now sitting over Southern New Mexico and the Sonora border. We now also have a added feature a cut off low over Baja Calif which has allowed the addition of a low level gulf surge to move north into Arizona over the last couple
of days. This setup looks to possibly allow some light showers and or thunderstorms over night Tuesday and into Wednesday before things dry out again. It looks like a chance of Thunderstorms may return the last week of June as Monsoon gets more fully under way.

June 23rd - We had the first measurable rain of the Monsoon Season today as light showers and thundershowers moved through Phoenix in the morning to early afternoon. Rainfall was light ranging from a trace to measurable amounts between 0.04 to 0.12 inches.
A few places measured more including 0.17 inches at Sky Harbor, 0.20 inches at South Mountain Park and the Indian Bend wash in
central Scottsdale and 0.31 inches near Gila Bend. At Pepperridge North Valley we received 0.10 inches. Light showers also fell in Tucson and up north towards Flagstaff, amounts were light ranging from a Trace to measurable amounts between 0.02 inches and 0.20 inches.

July 1st - After an active day yesterday on June 30th in the higher elevations like Prescott and Prescott Valley with a classic Micro-burst Pictured here on the left. (Photo Credit - Paul Folk) July started off with the rain and Thunderstorms mainly confined to the Eastern Mountains and Southeastern Arizona. We had a relatively inactive down day in Central Arizona into late in the evening when thunderstorms formed over the Roosevelt Lake area and the Bush Fire Burn Scar areas. These storms sent a outflows into the Phoenix Metro area which produced pop up isolated thunderstorm cells over parts of the valley. One was in the North Valley and was surprising active between 10:30pm and Midnight producing between 0.10 inches to about 0.35 inches of rain at the Prickly Pear Wash and the
Cave Buttes dam which is just north of the Loop 101 and SR 51 interchange.
At the Deer Valley Airport they measured 0.24 inches of rain.

Here at Pepperidge we received 0.43 inches of rain by Midnight. Which
brings Monsoon 2021 to 0.53 inches so far and we are now just 0.01 inches behind last year's season total of 0.54 inches for the Dismal 2020 NONsoon!!

Other pop-up thundershowers formed in the far East valley and near South Mountain area and produced between 0.04 inches and
0.24 inches of rain. With the big winners being South Mountain Park Headquarters which received 0.20 inches of rain by slightly after
midnight and just before midnight at Recker and McLellan roads in far east Mesa they had received 0.24 inches of rain.
Further to the Southwest 0.35 inches of rain fell just after midnight on July 2nd near the south end of the Estrella Mountains.

July 2nd - Another active day across the Eastern Mountains and Southeastern Arizona with rain falling on Telegraph Fire burn scar
causing flash flooding and debris flows. Some rainfall totals across Southeastern Arizona include Catalina 0.70 inches, Nogales
0.47 inches, Sierra Vista 0.05 inches, Davis-Monthan AFB 0.02 inches, Sonoran Desert Museum 1.56 inches and Tucson 0.11 inches.
Today also marked the day that both Phoenix and Tucson offically achieved the traditional old method of monsoon dewpoint averages of 55 degrees Phoenix and 54 degrees Tucson for a third day in a row meaning the Monsoon has offically began in both cities on June 30th!!

July 3rd - Another active day across the Eastern Mountains and Southeastern Arizona with thunderstorms active in Tucson Area. The Tucson area received anywhere from 0.05 inches in Northwest Metro area up to 1.52 inches of rain near Sabino Canyon. The Tucson Airport received 0.39 inches of rain and Sierra Vista measured
1.07 inches of rain. However today the thunderstorms were more widespread aided by a upper level disturbance or Easterly wave over Southeastern Arizona with activity also in Central and Northern Arizona with Prescott receiving 0.04 inches of rain and Winslow
0.42 inches of rain. Two large thunderstorm cells moved out of Yavapai and Gila Counties towards the Phoenix Area. The first storm moved off of Crown King around 6pm and dumped on Lake Plesant over to Wickenburg with between 0.35 inches to 1.10 inches of rain at Lake Pleasant. That storm moved slowly southwest and drop between 0.55 inches of rain to 0.94 inches of rain on Sun City West and parts of Surprise. The big winner was the Twin Buttes Wash near Vistancia along SR 303 with 1.42 inches of rain.
(Pictured right - Phoenix Metro Radar Captured shortly after 7pm)

The other thunderstorm moved in the Northeast Valley around 7pm dropping between 0.47 inches in North Scottsdale to 1.30 inches of rain in Fountain Hills. These two storms eventually merged over central Phoenix and dropped light to moderate rain over North Central Phoenix with amounts ranging from 0.10 inches to 0.79 inches of rain near the Dreamy Draw. Up to 0.55 inches of rain fell in South Phoenix near Salt River just north of Laveen. Overall according the Phoenix Rainfall Index 71% the valley saw some rain with a average of 0.22 inches of rain. Sky Harbor Airport set a daily record with 0.26 inches of rain and the Scottsdale Airport measured 0.36 inches of rain. Here at Pepperridge in the North Valley we measured 0.22 inches of rain and now we have 0.65 inches of rain for the Month of July thats more than all of last year's Monsoon season. The East Valley primary missed out on this rain event the exceptions were in Far East Mesa, Apache Junction and Queen Creek areas which saw between 0.10 inches and 0.59 inches of rain. Further to the East near the Telegraph fire burn scar heavy rain causing flash flooding and debris flows and Globe measured 1.46 inches of rain!!

July 4th - 9th - Storm activity has been restricted to White Mountains and Extreme Southeastern Arizona as the Monsoon Ridge remains parked along Arizona/Utah border. The Main feature has been extreme heat in the deserts with temperatures near 110 and above.
However one storm that moved out Gila County near Globe and the Telegraph Fire burn scar managed to clip the extreme Southeastern parts of the Phoenix metro with strong winds and a little rain late on July 9th. Rainfall totals were light between 0.04 inches at Mesa Gateway to 0.20 inches of rain near Hawes road and Chandler Heights. Further east and Southeast in Pinal county 0.43 inches of rain fell at San Tan Mountain Park to 0.67 inches of rain at Florence Junction and 0.35 inches of rain in Moblie in southern Maricopa countny.

July 10th - An active evening across parts of Central and Southeastern Arizona but another disappointment last night in the North Valley lots of nasty wind and dust but no rain at all at Pepper Ridge North Valley. This clearly was mainly a strong severe thunderstorm WIND event. The Phoenix rain index show only a average of 0.06 inches that was mainly in the Eastern 1/3 of the Valley. Most places that saw rain measured between 0.04 inches and about 0.28 inches of rain near Phoenix Mountain Park (7th street and Cactus). Clearly far East Mesa near Power and Mc Kellips Rd with 0.63 inches and Queen Creek 0.75 inches of rain were the big rain winners.

The wind was the main culprit with 41 mph gusts here in North Valley but 63 mph gust at Falcon Field and 60 mph gust with at Mesa Gateway. Northeast of Phoenix a Hurricane force wind gust of 83 Mph was measured at the Horseshoe Dam. Tucson got more wind and rain with parts of the Tucson Metro receiving about 1 inch but a hurricane force wind gust of 76 mph was also measured in far East Tucson near Freeman Rd and Old Spanish Trail. 1.0 inch Hail Fell in Patagonia and Sierra Vista in Southeastern Arizona.

July 11th - 12th - On July 11th thunderstorms were mainly confined to the mountains. Severe thunderstorms formed in Yavapai County where heavy rain and 1.0 to 1.25 inch hail fell in Prescott and Prescott Valley. On the July 12th a thunderstorm complex brought heavy rain of up to 1.50 inches of rain to parts of the Tucson metro area causing local flash flooding after it moved in from the northeast off of the rim near Globe and Telegraph burn scar area. The Tucson Airport officially measured 0.40 inches of rain and Sonora Desert Museum west of Tucson had 1.61 inches of rain. In Phoenix isolated thunderstorms formed in the extreme Northeast metro area in North Scottsdale around 10pm where between 0.12 inches to 0.40 inches of rain fell a couple of isolated spots received up to over an inch with 0.94 inches at Old Paint Wash and at Fraesfield Mountain 1.22 inches of rain. Once the storm reach the 101/51 freeway corridor it began to collapsed dropping generally less than 0.12 inches of rain here at Pepperidge North Valley it produced only minor winds and the rain lasted only about 5 minutes and was barely measurable at 0.01 inches bringing July total so far to 0.66 inches of rain.

July 14th - A Shortwave induced convective complex developed late evening on July 13th near the Utah, Arizona and Nevada border it slowly worked it's way southeast through the state as it tranversed around the High Pressure which is currently over California Deserts. The system first arrived near Prescott around 4am with winds, thunder and heavy rain with up 1.25 inches of rain in the Prescott Valley.

It made it into the Phoenix metro area around Sunrise and continued it's southeasterly path eventually making it all the way to Tucson before it slowly disappated late Morning. In Phoenix rainfall totals varied from 0.10 inches of rain at Sky Harbor to about 0.66 inches of rain with average of 0.28 inches of rain according the Phoenix rainfall index with 95% coverage over the metro area. In Phoenix the heaviest rain was isolated and fell near Dobbins and 19th Ave with 1.42 inches and 1.46 inches at South Mountain Park. Here in the North Valley Pepperridge received 0.82 inches of rain bringing the monthly total for July to 1.48 inches the wettest July since 2018!!

Further to the Southeast in Pinal County near Florence at Magma up to 1.69 inches of rain fell with flash flooding frequently-occurring in both Maricopa and Pinal counties especially around the Telegraph / Mescal fire burn scars to the east of Magma. Down near Oracle and San Manuel about 2.50 inches of rain fell. Parts of Tucson metro especially on the Northwest side saw up to 1.50 inches of rain.

July 16th - The Monsoon has been active again over the last two days with Flash Flooding in Flagstaff near Museum Fire Burn scar on July 15th causing debris flows and flooding of some homes. In Phoenix there were isolated storms in Surprise and Northeast Mesa on July 15th generally about 0.25 inches of rain fell in Surprise while in Northeast Mesa we saw 0.55 inches at Val Vista and the Loop 202 and 0.75 inches of rain at Power road and the Loop 202. Some microburst wind damage was reported in that same area.

On the morning of July 16th thundershowers formed mainly in central Phoenix and the Southeast valley where they produced between 0.10 inches to 0.33 inches of rain. South Chandler saw the most rainfall with 0.51 inches of rain. Falcon Field in east Mesa had received 0.98 inches of rain between the Thursday evening thunderstorm and Friday's morning thunderstorms.

Round two of today's active thunderstorms moved in from the North this evening, (As pictured at the left at Sunset with the thunderstorms moving in. Looking west from Lookout Mountain) These thunderstorms moved down into the valley from Yavapai county where the Sunset Point rest area on the I-17 received 0.51 inches, Crown King measured 1.34 inches and Dewey received 1.89 inches of rain. These storms primary hit the North, Northwest and West parts of the valley. These storms put on a nice lightning display over the North and West valley with rainfall varing from about 0.04 inches to 0.31 inches of rain. New River measured 0.35 inches of rain. However a few spots received significantly more rainfall these include 0.87 inches at the South end of Lake Plesant, 0.63 inches at Carefree Ranch, 0.75 inches at Adobe dam along the Loop 101, Vistancia Peak had 0.83 inches and 1.46 inches of rain at White Tank Fire near Citrus park. Heavy rain also fell east of Gila Bend with 1.42 of rain at the Bender Wash along I-8. Here at Pepperidge North Valley we received 0.51 inches of rain which brings the July total so far to 1.99 inches and 2.09 inches of rain for the season so we are off to a good start in Monsoon 2021. However Sky Harbor the offical reporting station for Phoenix received only 0.01 inches of rain for the day. They are now at 0.37 inches of rain for July and they have received 0.54 inches of rain so far for the Monsoon season!!

July 22nd - An active evening across parts of Central and Southeastern Arizona but another disappointment for the second night in row in the North Valley at Pepperridge. We got quite a light show recording 75,547 flashes of Lightning across the state on our own Boltek lightning detector with 42,949 of those being cloud to ground strikes!! Last night it rouge thunderstorm near Camelback mountain that dropped 0.51 inches of rain in the Arcadia area. Also on Wednesday the 21st we saw rain in far North Scottsdale in the Mc Dowell Mountain Park and in Fountain Hills where up to 0.75 inches of rain fell. Tonight it was south central Scottsdale where between 1.00 inch to 1.35 inches of rain fell mainly south of Indian Bend Road between Scottsdale rd and the Loop 101 freeway. In fact at the Indian Bend Wash and Indian School road 2.24 inches of rain fell. Parts of the East Valley mainly North of the US 60 and east of 101 between 0.25 inches and 0.60 inches of rain fell. A odd ball was Carriage Lane Park in Chandler which measured 1.22 inches of rain. Another pocket
of heavy rain fell in Phoenix along the 1-17 corridor between Cactus and Union Hills roads and between 7th and 32nd Avenues this area measured up to 0.75 inches of rain. Sky Harbor measured 0.21 inches of rain, Falcon Field in Mesa had 0.25 inches of rain, Scottsdale Airpark only got 0.08 inches of rain and Deer Valley Airport had 0.82 inches of rain. Here at Pepperidge North Valley we measured
only 0.15 inches of rain with winds that gusted to as high as 29 mph!! For the month of July we are at 2.15 inches of rain and we have 2.25 inches of rain so far for the Monsoon Season so we are off to a decent start in 2021!!

July 23rd - An active early morning across parts of Central and Southeastern Arizona as storms redeveloped overnight parts of Tucson saw over 2 inches of rain. Offically Tucson International measured 0.75 inches of rain. In Phoenix rain redeveloped first in the East valley and then spread slowly Northwestward mainly east of I-17 as the wset valley measured only 0.04 inches to 0.24 inches of rain in Glendale. Parts of east valley saw an aditional 0.50 inches to 1.25 inches of rain leaving parts of Northeast Mesa with nearly 2 inches for the storm. Falcon Field measured 1.06 inches of rain for the storm. The Indian Bend Wash at Indian School road added another 1.46 inches and was at 3.70 inches of rain for the storm. Fountain Hills measured 1.38 inches and this time the North Valley got needed rain with 2.20 inches at Scottdale Air Park and additional 0.79 inches of rain at Deer Valley airport. Sky Harbor added additional 0.80 inches of rain. Up to 2.00 inches fell in Anthem, New River and Cavecreek/Carefree areas while the mountains surrounding and above those areas received up to 3.50 inches of rain. This time at Pepperidge North Valley we received a decent all day rain ending up with 1.05 inches as temperatures hovered in the low 70s all day. The monthly total is now 3.20 inches of rain the 2nd wettest July on record for this station.

July 24th - Another active overnight as the Easterly Wave continues to spin in Eastern Arizona. These thundershowers mainly effected the East Valley where between 0.35 inches to as much as 1.00 inch of rain fell. The Central and West valley measured between 0.04 inches to about 0.24 inches of rain. Heavier rains fell south of the valley in Pinal and Pima counties and down in Tucson where they officially recorded another 1.49 inches of rain at airport. Similiar rainfall totals reported across the Tucson Metro area. Sky Harbor added 0.17 inches of rain, Deer Valley 0.06 inches, Scottsdale Airpark 0.26 inches and 0.35 inches of rain at Falcon Field in Mesa. Here at Pepperridge in the North Valley we added an additional 0.12 inches for a storm total of 1.32 inches of rain over the last 3 days!!

July 25th - Another active day in Arizona with the West Valley getting in on the action today as Areas to the West and North of the Loop 101 and west of I-17 received between 1.25 inches to as much 3.00 Inches of rain!! Two inch totals were common in the West Valley including 2.20 inches of rain in Buckeye, 1.77 inches of rain at Luke Airfore Base, Litchfield Park 1.85 inches of rain, Sun City 2.09 inches of rain , 2.01 inches of rain in Surprise and the BIG winner was at Glendale Rd at New River just west of WestGate Entertainment District with 2.91 inches of rain!! Street Flooding was common in these areas. In the North Valley Deer Valley Airport added another 1.22 inches, Falcon Field had additional 0.32 inches, Scottsdale Airport 0.33 inches and Sky Harbor 0.12 inches of rain. At Pepperridge North Valley we added a additional 0.23 inches of rain to have a 4 day storm total of 1.55 inches of rain. The map on the right shows various accumulated totals since Thursday evening. The big winner in the valley was Scottsdale near the Indian Bend Wash and Indian School Roads with 4.41 inches or rain, Deer Valley Airport had 2.87 inches, Falcon Field in Mesa measured 2.17 inches and Sky Harbor the official reporting station measured 1.26 inches of rain. This was also the first time Phoenix had 3 days in row with highs in the low 80s in July the coolest being Sunday's 81 degrees which tied the low maximum for July 25th which was first set back in 1915. This storm was a major event for some areas of the valley and in the mountains North of the Valley near New River where up to just over 5 inches of rain was measured over 4 days. In Southeastern Arizona Tucson officially received 4.03 inches over the same 4 day period!!

July 30th - 31st - This past week the Monsoon has continue its typical hit and miss variety thunderstorms where one area can get hit with over 1 inch and just couple miles away can be bone dry which is why these storms have limited effect on the watershed and reservoirs as widespread rain is needed for that. On the 30th heavy rain fell on Telegraph Fire scar which led to severe Flash Flooding in the Miami area causing damage to some homes and business as washes and creeks overflowed. Tucson has had a remarkable July with additional 0.67 inches falling on the 30th bringing the July total to 8.06 inches of rain the wettest Month ever officially for Tucson. Flagstaff was sitting at 5.66 inches as of this 5pm this evening for the month. Even Yuma got in the action with 0.33 inches on the 30th!!

In Phoenix rainfall has been more sporadic with the only significant storm since last Sunday coming overnight on the 30th into the early morning hours of the 31st. As usual rainfall varied with between 0.04 inches to 0.31 inches of rain in the East Valley the exception was downtown Chandler with 0.67 inches of rain and the Chandler Airport with 0.91 inches. The big winner was Phoenix west of I-17 and Glendale with between 0.50 inches and up to 1.30 inches rain at Grand and Peoria avenues!! The Phoenix rainfall index reported about 50% of valley saw some measurable rain with an average of 0.14 inches of rain and a monthly average of 2.80 inches. Mesa Falcon Field measured 0.11 inches, Deer Valley with 0.25 inches, Scottsdale with 0.03 inches and Sky Harbor 0.06 inches of rain. For July Sky Harbor has measured 1.73 inches. At Pepperridge North Valley last night's storm was a disappointment with a nice light show but only 0.06 inches of rain. However for the month of July we received 3.61 inches of rain the second wettest July behind 1999's 4.03 inches!! Some other July rainfall totals around Phoenix, Deer Valley 3.38 inches, Falcon Field 3.43 inches and Scottsdale, 3.69 inches of rain!!

August 10th - The Monsoon finally makes a return to Parts of the Phoenix thanks to a Easterly Wave moving up from Pinal County. Heavy rain actually fell in Southern Arizona on the 9th and again overnight into the morning of the 10th. Overall rainfall was light except for the Southeast Valley. Rainfall amounts include Falcon Field in Mesa with 0.21 inches or rain and Sky Harbor with 0.11 inches of rain. The heaviest rain fell from Ahwatukee with 0.79 inches of rain and across the Southeast valley south of the US-60 where between 0.24 inches up to about slightly over 1.00 of rain in Chandler/Sun Lakes area. Areas North of the US-60 saw between 0.12 inches in Tempe to as much as 0.67 inches near Broadway and Higley roads near Leisure World. In the North Valley rainfall amounts were light with 0.02 inches at Deer Valley Airport and 0.05 inches at Scottsdale Air Park. Pepperridge North Valley measured a meager 0.14 inches of rain. The west Valley measured little rain from this storm with amounts of 0.04 to 0.08 inches of rain with Youngtown receiving 0.16 inches of rain.

August 11th - Another active morning of thunderstorms for parts of the East Valley with East Mesa and Fountain Hills being the big winners with between 0.28 inches to 1.93 inches of rain at Power rd and the 202. Fountain Hills also saw between 1.30 inches to nearly 2.00 inches of rain. Most of rest valley missed out completely. These storms moved north out the Tucosn area where 0.63 inches of rain fell. Further to Northeast in Gila County Mt Ord recieved 2.72 inches and Iron Dike got a whopping 3.46 inches of rain!!! In the afternoon isolated thunderstorms dropped between 0.39 inches in Sunnyslope to 0.75 inches at the Dreamy draw. Another isolated storm dropped 0.91 inches in Litchfield Park. The Phoenix rain index had a average 0.28 inches and about 45% coverage of the valley. Some totals include 1.46 inches at Falcon Field and 0.72 inches of rain at Scottsdale Airpark. Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley Airport and
Pepperridge North Valley received 0.00 inches or rain!! So far August has been a Major dissappointment here in the North Valley
with a mere 0.14 inches of rain so far here in North Valley in this otherwise active Monsoon Season!!

August 12th - Another active night with overnight to early morning of thunderstorms for parts of the East Valley again in East Mesa with between 0.35 to 1.50 inches of rain falling over the same areas which saw rain Wednesday morning meaning some parts of North East Mesa areas have seen over 3 inches in the last two days!! This time the extreme north Valley got in the act with between 0.75 inches to 2.48 inches of rain at Desert Hills. Carefree measured 2.13 inches and Cavecreek with 1.85 inches of rain and Pinnacle Peak Park with 0.91 inches. The Phoenix rainfall index average 0.29 inches with about 50 % valley coverage. Falcon Field measured 1.61 inches for a two day total 3.07 inches of rain. Scottsdale Airpark had 0.35 inches, Deer Valley a trace and Sky Harbor 0.00 inches as the rainfal totals have varied greatly across the valley during this active Monsoon. The Pepper Ridge North Valley Weather Station has had a dismal start to August so far as we only added 0.08 inches or rain overnight for a total of only 0.22 inches of rain for the month as this shows how truly sporadic the Monsoon can be as some areas of Phoenix Metro Valley receiving a lot of rain and others almost nothing.

August 13th - 14th - After a relatively quite day things got quite interesting as the forecasted Severe Thunderstorms finally rolled into the valley shortly before 10 pm with intially winds gusting to 60 mph in some places and this then led to a valley wide long duration rain event that lasted 6 hours. The lightning intense was nearly nonstop with rolling thunder in the intial hours of the storm. Rainfall amounts overnight into Aug 14th exceed 1.00 inch in many areas. The Phoenix Rainfall index measured 0.75 inches of rain with 97% coverage of the Phoenix Metro Area. This thunderstorm Mesoscale Convective Complex caused widepsread flash flooding across the valley with flooded streets and washes were running full this morning. Rainfall totals across the valley ranged from 0.20 inches in Chandler to 2.95 inches of rain at the Durango Complex southwest of Downtown. In fact one Maricopa County Flood Control gauge in Maricopa Mountains measured 3.90 inches!! Some parts of valley have seen up to 5.00 inches of rain this week in East Mesa and in Fountain Hills it's at about 4.50 inches. Overnight rainfall Totals include 2.08 inches at Falcon Field in Mesa, 2.72 inches at the Hesperus Dam in the Mc Dowell Mountains near Fountain Hills and 2.28 inches of rain in Fountain Hills. Other rainfall totals include Apache Junction with 1.34 inches , 0.25 inches in Carefree, Deer Valley Airport 1.12 inches, Gila Bend 1.46 inches, Lake Pleasant 0.83 inches, Luke AFB 0.83 inches, Scottsdale Airport 0.64 inches, Sky Harbor Airport the official reporting station with 0.83 inches and Wickenburg 0.35 inches of rain.

Finally here at Pepperidge North Valley we got a major storm with 1.25 inches of rain falling between 10pm and 10:30 pm!! We ended up with 1.73 inches of rain on 13th with an additional 0.52 inches on the 14th and storm total 2.25 inches of rain the biggest storm since Hurricane Rosa's remnants moved through in Oct 2018. For the month of August we are now at 2.47 inches of rain and for the Monsoon Season we are at 6.18 inches of rain the wettest since 2014 and 3rd wettest overall. Outside the Valley Tucson had heavy rain too with 2.15 inches at the Tucson Internationl Airport parts of southeast Tucson also recorded over 2 inches. The storm complex made it all the way to California border and even Yuma received 0.21 inches of rain.

August 16th - 17th - The Active Monsoon continues although the rainfall amounts have varied significantly as was the case the last two nights with Fountain Hills and East Mesa continuing to be the clear winners in the rainfall totals as some locations in these areas of the valley have seen 5.50 to 6.50 inches of rain in the last week. Isolated storms hit East Mesa on 16th with rainfall totals ranging from about a 0.25 inches to 0.25 inches, Falcon Field had 0.32 inches. On the 17th the storms rolled down off the rim with wind being the main feature with 33 mph gusts in the North Valley but other areas with a more direct hit had 60 mph winds and Sky Harbor measured a 69 mph gust and 0.43 inches of rain. The Phoenix rainfall index measures 0.22 inches with about 31% coverage. Most totals range from 0.10 inches with heavier amounts in Far East Mesa 0.75 inches, Fountain Hills 0.79 inches and Queen Creek 1.34 inches further East Florence Junction measured 2.09 inches of rain. Some other totals include 0.61 inches at Deer Valley, Falcon Field in Mesa 0.16 inches, Scottsdale 1.50 inches and Tempe 0.67 inches of rain. Another isolated thunderstorm around 4:30am had another glancing blow to west of Pepperridge North Valley where up about additional 0.75 inches of rain fell near I-17 and Greenway for a daily overnnight total 0.91 inches of rain other isolated pockets of heavy rain skipped across the valley mainly along the west segment of 101 down towards Litchfield Park and Buckeye who also received up to an additional 1.00 inches of rain and another isolated pocket of heavy rain near the Indian Wash and Shea where additional 0.98 inches or rain fell. Here in the North Valley at Pepperridge we received a glancing blow from the both of these storms with a total of 0.21 inches of rain overnight. For August We are now at 2.68 inches of rain and for the Monsoon Season 6.39 inches of rain the 3rd Wettest on record!! Normal for the entire season is 3.28 inches.

August 18th - Another active day in Central Arizona thanks to transitional type event as low Pressure system far to the north pulled back up from the Baja the recent easterly wave that had moved through central Arizona Monday night. This Great Basin low pressure will eventally adsorb it into the system well to our north. The end result was several lines of organized thunderstorms moving from southwest to North East across the Phoenix Metro Area with the central core between 1-17 and SR-51 being the area of concentrated storms as well as areas to North east of Phoenix which had the heaviest rain due to orgraphic lift in Gila County with 4.13 inches on Mt Ord and 2.95 inches of rain at Iron Dike along SR-87 the Bee Line Highway. Further to the Southeast in Gila county heavy rain fell with over 3 inches falling on the Telegraph burn scar causing major flooding in Globe and Miami causing the closure of US 60 in both directions in this area.

Closer to home the heaviest rain fell at Bartlett Lake with 2.68 inches and Horseshoe Lake had 2.40 inches of rain. Carefree measured 1.77 inches and at Camp Creek in Mountains above town they received a total of 3.62 inches of rain. In the valley proper heavy rainfall cause flash flooding and street flooding with rainfall totals ranging from 0.04 inches near Luke AFB to 1.26 at Cactus Rd and the Cavecreek wash. Other valley rainfall totals include Deer Valley Airport 0.75 inches, Falcon Field in Mesa 0.15 inches, Fountain hills 0.27 inches, Glendale 0.47 inches, West Mesa 0.55 inches, Scottsdale Air Park 0.64 inches, Sky Harbor 0.08 inches and South Mtn Park 1.02 inches of rain. Here in the North Valley at Pepperridge we received 1.11 inches of rain with 0.80 inches falling in 30 minutes begining at 1:30pm. The last week has been extremely wet in the North Valley as we have received 3.57 inches!! For the month of August we have now have received 3.79 inches of rain making this the 2nd wettest August on record!! For the Monsoon we have now have received 7.50 inches of rain so far making this the 3rd wettest Monsoon Season on record with roughly 6 weeks left in the season!!

August 31st - The Monsoon returns to Arizona the last couple days after about a 10 day break with storms mainly in Mountains and Southeastern Arizona. There were also some storms on Aug 30th in and around Yuma with 0.13 inches. For the 31st moisture continued to stream into the State with the addition of some Tropical moisture from what was once Hurricana Nora which broke up near the tip of the Baja. We are also under the influence of Baja low pressure system. So far rainfall amounts so far have been light with Sky Harbor receiving 0.07 inches of rain with monthly total of 1.54 inches of rain. Deer Valley received 0.11 inches of rain and Scottsdale 0.35 inches of rain. Some moderate heavier rain occured after 10 pm further to east these include Carefree with 0.67 inches of rain, Falcon Field in Mesa with 0.48 inches of rain, with 0.27 inches of rain falling after Midnight on Sept 1st, Fountain Hills 0.78 inches of rain and Gilbert at Crossroads Park 0.63 inches of rain. At Pepperridge North Valley we measured 0.26 inches of rain with a monthly total of 4.05 inches of rain making this the 2nd wettest August on record at Pepper Ridge. For the Monsoon Season the total is now at 7.76 inches of rain which is still the 3rd wettest Monsoon Season on record. Other Valley August Monthly Totals include, Deer Valley Airport 2.61 inches of rain, Scottsdale Air Park with 4.25 inches of rain and Mesa Falcon Field with amazing 6.14 inches of rain!!

Sept 1st - The expected storms and heavy rain never materialize in North Phoenix as this storm system and Tropical Moisture was a Big disappointment as with a Trace of rain for September 1st at Pepperridge North Valley. Some storms did form in Yapapai County these storms produced about 0.87 inches or rain near Crown King and about 1.18 inches in mountains above New River some of that rain made it down to New River where 0.55 inches or rain fell. A few of those thundershowers also made it into Sun City West 0.39 inches and Surprise 0.28 inches of rain near Aqua Fria and Grand. Then these storms collapsed but they sent a outflow that formed new storms that effected primary the Southern parts of Phoenix mainly south of Northern Ave and into the East Valley. The Phoenix Rainfall index measured 0.33 inches with about 50% of the valley receiving some measurable rain. Some areas received decent rainfall these include Buckeye with between 0.55 inches to 1.34 inches, 0.43 inches at the Loop 303 and Camelback, Glendale 0.28 inches, South Mountain Park 1.26 inches and Sky Harbor 0.43 inches of rain. In the East Valley, Chandler Airport 0.67 inches, Tempe at ASU 1.22 inches, Chapparal Park - Mesa 0.94 inches, Falcon Field - Mesa 0.37 inches, Mesa Gateway 0.67 inches of rain and Gold Canyon 0.98 inches of rain.

Sept 18th - A weak cut off low caused some Thunderstorms primarly in the south east valley with rainfall totals between 0.04 inches and 0.24 inches. Here at Pepperridge and at Deer Valley Airport only a trace was measured. Scottsdale measured 0.03 inches and Sky Harbor measured 0.11 inches of rain. The heaviest totals were 0.31 inches at South Mountain Park and 0.47 inches of rain at Chandler.

Sept 26th - Although today’s transitional storm actually originated in the westerlies this cut off low was enhanced by tapping into residual monsoonal tropical moisture it pulled up out of central Mexico. The result has been a beneficial rain day in Phoenix with steady rain all day and cool afternoon temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to low 70s across the Valley. Here in North Valley we measured our first measurable rain of September with 0.58 inches of rain. Rainfall in the valley generally was between 0.04 inches and 0.67 inches of rain. The Phoenix rainfall index shows 95% coverage with a average of 0.30 inches of rain. Some other valley actual rainfall totals include, 0.60 inches or rain in Carefree, Deer Valley Airport 0.51 inches of rain, 0.24 inches of rain in Falcon Field in Mesa and at Gilbert, Glendale had 0.20 in of rain, Litchfield Park/ Luke AFB 0.39 inches, Lake Pleasant 0.39 inches, Scottsdale Airport 0.51 inches and 0.14 inches of rain at Sky Harbor. The heaviest rain fell North and east of the valley where 0.98 inches of rain fell at Horseshoe lake. The biggest valley totals where 0.67 inches of rain at Ellsworth and the US-60 and 0.91 inches of rain at the Prickly pear wash near Jomax and Cavecreek roads. This was the 20th day with measurable rain during the Monsoon Season here at Pepperridge Sky Harbor has had 23 days. The season total at Pepperridge is now at 8.34 inches of rain and this moves us into the 2nd wettest Monsoon on record here in the North Valley.

Sept 30th - September closed out with another low pressure moving through with another transitional event which has been the theme throughout September as the traditional Monsoon flow has not really been present since early September. This event actually started on the 29th with thunderstorms primary confined to the south in Pinal county where Casa Grande saw 0.68 inches of rain from the thunderstorms that stretched down into Northern Pima County and Northwest Tucson overnight. Early this morning the with the spinning low over Eastern Arizona it produced about 2 inches of snow near Sunrise Ski area in the White Mountains. This evening wrap around thundershowers moved off the mountains into North Phoenix where between 0.04 inches and 0.25 inches of rain fell. The Phoenix rainfall index showed 23% coverage for an average of 0.03 inches of rain and a Monsoon Season total of 5.85 inches. One isolated spot in Extreme North Scottsdale measured 0.75 inches. Here at Pepperidge we received 0.13 inches of rain which added to the September total which ended at 0.71 inches. This was ironically exactly 0.13 inches below the September normal of 0.84 inches and this was the only month in Monsoon with below normal rainfall. It was the 21st day with Measurable rain in the Monsoon a record ahead of 18 days in 2014, 2005 & 1999. The Monsoon total rain was 8.47 inches the 2nd wettest on record and 5.19 inches above the season normal of 3.28 inches of rain. In comparison Sky Harbor had 23 days of measurable rain second most behind 23 days way back in 1896, for a Monsoon total of 4.20 inches of rain which is 1.77 inches above normal. Look for a more detail report on Monsoon 2021 in the coming days.

MONSOON 2021 - Summary and Wrap Up

This year's Monsoon Season was a stark contrast to the 2020 season as we went from having one of the driest monsoon season on record statewide to one of the wettest a big reason was because of where the Monsoon Ridge spent most of this past summer further North and a bit west of it's normal climatological position while in 2020 it sat further south and east of the normal traditional 4 corners location. This pattern caused great big summer heat waves to extend up into the Pacific Northwest and even caused record high temperatures to be set as far north as southern Canada, but it also caused our monsoon season to come in early and to be unusually stronger than normal.

For Phoenix, and much of the state this strong Monsoonal flow meant this year's monsoon had more moisture to work with and this led more stormy days. This also meant that the easterly waves and upper level disturbances were unusally strong and long lasting. In fact two extremely strong waves occured this summer the first from July 22nd to July 25th and another arrived on the evening of August 13th and lasted to Aug 18th. These two periods saw heavy rain and flash flooding over several days over Southern and Central Arizona and unusally cool afternoon summertime temperatures over several days due to heavy cloud cover and frequent Thunderstorms. In fact some areas like the Globe/Miami Area had significant recurrent flash flooding due to lost of vegetation due to the burn scars from the Telegraph Fire that burned a significant areas in nearby mountians during the June Wildfires.

In fact offically we saw the second most measurable rainfall days with 23 days compared to only 2 days in 2020 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport picked up more than 4 inches of rain. 4.20 inches of rain to be exact That's the most we've seen officially since 2014. (That year we had several decaying Tropical Storms come through which really impacted our rainfall totals.) If you look across the entire Valley, we actually received more than that, with the Phoenix Rainfall Index at 5.85 inches of rain for the monsoon season, and we had the wettest July and August since we've been tracking the Valley-wide rain gauges in 1990 that data is collected by the Maricopa County Flood control rain gauge network. Actual rainfall total varied widely across the valley as is typical during the Monsoon Season, some other official valley totals include Deer Valley Airport 7.17 inches of rain Scottsdale Airpark 8.48 inches of rain and Falcon Field in East Mesa at 10.36 inches of rain and Fountain Hills was the big winner with 11.02 inches of rain for the season with Most of that falling in the month of August. Outside the Valley Horseshoe lake measured 10.59 inches or rain and Barlett Lake 16.10 inches for the season. The biggest total in Maricopa County Flood Control Network was Northeast of the Valley at Iron Dike near Mt Ord on Gila County border with 19.29 inches or rain for the season!!

At Pepperridge in the North Valley we measured 8.47 inches of rain the second wettest behind 2014 which had 9.18 inches. There were 21 days with measurable rain here in the north valley a record ahead of previous record of 18 days in 2014. If it hadn't dried out in early September it probably would have been the wettest Monsoon on record as September was characterized with dry periods followed by wet periods from the passage of several transitional fronts moving through but no strong Tropical Systems enhancing the rainfall totals. In fact the last front that passed through on Sept 30th actually produced a couple inches of Snow on the San Franciso Peaks north of Flagstaff and near Sunrise/Greer areas in the White Mountains. The map below shows a composite of Monsoon Season rainfall totals across metro Phoenix and graphic at the left shows the last 12 years of Monsoon season rainfall totals for the official reporting station at Sky Harbor International Airport. Average rainfall at Sky Harbor for the monsoon is 2.43 inches!

(You can click on the images below for a larger view of Metro Phoenix Rainfall Map and the Phoenix Rainfall graphic)

MONSOON 2021 - Across Arizona

Elsewhere around Arizona and especially in Southern Arizona Monsoon rainfall totals were enhanced by the active pattern that ramped up intensity of Monsoon Thunderstorms this led to the wettest month ever recorded in Tucson this past July with just over 8 inches of rain. That came immediately after the hottest June ever recorded in Tucson with an average temperature of 89.8 degrees. Tucson ended up being one of the wettest spots across the entire state this monsoon with over a foot of rain for the entire season. The total of 12.78 inches rain for the season was the third wettest on record behind 13.08 inches of rain in 1955 and 13.84 inches of rain in 1964!

Deadly and Destructive Season Unfortunately, the beneficial rains also created a seriously deadly threat of flash flooding. "Especially across the burn areas, near Flagstaff, up in Globe and in Southeast Arizona as well. Statewide, we've actually seen 10 confirmed deaths from flash flooding this year so far, so that's an unfortunate side effect of all the rain that we've been getting," said Rogers. "The National Weather Service has issued, I believe, more flash flood warnings in Arizona than any other state in the country this year, so it's been very active." Dozens of homes were damaged, an elementary school was flooded out, and multiple roads were closed in northeast Flagstaff. Taylor Laundry knows it all too well. "It came on so fast it was kind of, you know, we could have probably thought to walk into the water for a second and then the next thing you know, it could of swept us all away," she said on Jul. 14. She had just woken up to see her neighbor's Prius get swept down the street as thunderstorm pounded near the Museum Burn Scar for the second day in a row. Major storms also hit on Aug. 17. In all, dozens of homes were damage, an elementary school was flooded out and several roads were closed, in the very place where residents are still dealing with the aftermath of 2019's wildfire.

Monsoon Rainfall across Southern Arizona

But for those in the small community of Gila Bend, they had no idea this year would be one for the history books. On night of Aug. 13 forecasts suggested a strong chance for intense thunderstorms overnight. Flash Flood Warnings hit the area, but no one expected what would come next. With rainfall rates of nearly 10 inches per hour, in a small area just east of Gila Bend caused that region experienced a thousand-year flood, sending floodwaters cascading through a town of 2,000 people. By Saturday morning, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office had rescued more than 30 people off rooftops. At least 140 homes were declared unlivable due to severe flood damage, and a railroad bridge was washed away. It hit the community especially hard when two people died. One person was swept downstream, another died by trying to save a stranded driver out on the road.

Another hard-hit area during the monsoon was the Globe-Miami area. Serious flash flooding was common from heavy rains that fell on area all summer do lack of vegatation on the nearby mountains because of the Telegraph Fire Burn Scar. But the August 18th storm dumped over 3 inches of rain and flooded homes and vehicles were buried in thick, deep mud. It even plugged up the city's drainage system. But the community ultimately came together for a clean up party at their City Hall.

Monsoon Rainfall across Northern Arizona

In Northern Arizona Payson with 14,74 inches, Saint Johns with 8.74 inches and the Show Low Airport with 12.50 inches had their Wettest Monsoons on Record with much of Northern Arizona seeing above normal rainfall. Below are the last 10 years of rainfall for Northern Arizona cities of Flagstaff and Prescott you can see much it varies from year to year (Click on the Images to see a larger view)

Drought Relief, Roughly 73% of Arizona was in Exceptional Drought (the worst kind) at the start of 2021. "Typically, in a monsoon, we don't see a lot of drought improvement," says Jaret Rogers with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. "But July was so wet across the state that we did see quite a bit of improvement." And that improvement continued into August and September as the monsoon rain continued to fall. Now, Exceptional Drought in Arizona has been eliminated and only 14% of the state is in Extreme Drought. Overall it was a very beneficial Monsoon Season Statewide as many areas green up after years of drought.

2019 Monsoon Summary ·  2018 Monsoon Summary ·  2017 Monsoon Summary ·  2016 Monsoon Summary ·  2015 Monsoon Summary

THE 2020 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2020 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of July 12th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on July 10th.!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 7th ---- 50.5°F	July 10th*---- 58.7°F
July 8th ---- 56.8°F	July 11th ---- 60.1°F
July 9th ---- 54.3°F	July 12th ---- 62.3°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 12th - Monsoon 2020 has finally began as of July 10th In North Phoenix!!
Although it is still a low grade Monsoon pattern with mainly mid and
high level moisture streaming into Arizona as we are experiencing intense heat
under strong high pressure. In fact today we set a new record high of 113.3°F and the low was only 88.1°F just shy of the record high minimum of 89.1°F set just last year in 2019!! This pattern is primarily limiting thunderstorm activity to the high country and in mountains North and East of Phoenix.

In Southeastern Arizona there has been limited activity with a few thunderstorms
forming the last couple of days primary in and around Tucson
and to the South and East of Tucson.

Sky Harbor has not yet achieved the traditional Monsoon 3 day 55°F or above average dewpoint Monsoon criteria.

July 22nd - Monsoon 2020 has officially began at Sky Harbor Airport as determined by the traditional Monsoon 3 day 55°F or above dewpoint average Monsoon criteria. This criteria was met as of July 24th so that makes July 22nd the official start date.
This is the 2nd latest official start on record for Sky Harbor Airport only 1987 was later on July 25th!!

July 23rd - Monsoon 2020 is off to a very slow start with storm activity very limited and lightning strikes data the lowest though
this date in about 25 years. Today was finally active early in Southeast Arizona thanks in part to a inverted trough in the
southerly moisture plume with parts of Tucson seeing 1 inch to 2 inches of rain with flashing flooding. The rain
finally allowed them to get 100% control of the Big Horn Fire which has been burning in the Santa Catalinas Mountains
north of Tucson since a lightning strike started it on June 6th!! This fire has sadly consumed 119,987 acres!!

Closer to Valley rainfall amounts were light in the valley generally under 0.10 inches in far Northeast and East Valleys and the
Northwest Valley. The expection was a thunderstorm over the far Southwest valley in Buckeye and Goodyear which dropped between
0.25 inches to 0.50 inches of rain and up to 0.75 inches at Indian School and Jackrabbit near Verado in the early afternoon.

In the North Valley we saw no rain at Pepperidge and today marks the 74th day without measurable rain
and Sky Harbor Airport the official station for Phoneix is now at 103 days with no measurable rain.
In the evening thunderstorms were basically confined to the High Country from Prescott and Williams to near Flagstaff

July 24th - Monsoon 2020 finally delivers the first measurable rainfall to the
North Valley and to Sky Harbor too ending the dry streaks. Sky Harbor received
0.10 inches of rain that ending the 103 day streak without any measurable rain it also tied 2019 for 11th latest first measureable rainfall of the Monsoon. Also as of Midnight on July 25th Sky Harbor marked it 3rd day in row with a 55°F or above dewpoint average on July 24th to meet the traditional Monsoon criteria so the Monsoon offically began on July 22nd at Sky Harbor.

Parts the East Valley also had thunderstorms that dropped between 0.10 inches to 0.50 inches of rain the one odd man out was near 101 and 202 interchanges where
a Maricopa County flood control rain gauge measured a whopping 1.26 inches!!

In the north valley we saw a variety of weather with winds gusting to 30 mph some thunder and lightning and a interesting rouge thunderstorm produced rain with sunshine at the same time and it even produced a beautiful double rainbow. (Pictured left - click on the image to see the full size Picture) Pepperridge received 0.21 inches of rain in about 15 minutes ending the 74 day dry streak. This was the 3rd latest first measurable rainfall to start the Monsoon Season for Pepperridge, the Latest being July 29th, 2016!! Another 10 minute downpour around 10 pm dropped additional 0.14 inches of rain bringing the daily total to 0.35 inches.
Phoenix Dam #99 near Piestewa Peak received a surprising 0.63 inches!!

Further to the North the CaveCreek Carefree area received between 0.31 inches
to 0.50 inches of rain and up 0.75 inches of rain at Galloway wash and Galloway road and in the surrounding mountainous areas.

July 31st - The last 7 days of July were dry and hot as Intense Strong High Pressure moved overhead cutting off the rich Monsoon moisture.
This even limited thunderstorms in the mountains and Southeastern Az, with little activity the last 4 days of the month when temperatures peaked on July 30th
when even Arizona's high country saw high temperatures peak in at least the low 90s. Payson even hit 100°F!!!

Pepperidge had it's hottest day of the year on July 30th with a high 115.3°F and Sky Harbor peak at 118°F degrees !! both were records for the date. With this late July heat wave July 2020 became the hottest month ever beating July 2009 by 0.7°F with a average
temperature of 95.6°F degrees!! Precipitation for July at Pepper Ridge North Valley was 0.35 inches which is (0.79 inches) below normal.

Sky Harbor officially had their record hottest month ever!! with a average temp of 98.9°F, a average high of 109.8°F and a
average low of 88.0°F the airport only received 0.10 inches of rain for the month which is (0.95 inches) below normal.

Hottest Months ever at Pepperridge North Valley.
1. July 2020:*	Avg High 106.7°F	Low 82.1 °F	Mean 95.6°F
2. July 2009:	Avg High 106.0°F	Low 82.2 °F	Mean 94.9°F
3. July 2016:	Avg High 105.7°F	Low 81.1°F	Mean 94.6°F
4. Aug 2011:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 94.1°F
5. July 2019:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 80.1°F	Mean 93.9°F
6. July 2003:	Avg High 105.4°F	Low 80.0°F	Mean 93.6°F
6. Aug 2019:	Avg High 105.3°F	Low 80.5°F	Mean 93.6°F
6. Aug 2015:	Avg High 104.5°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 93.6°F
*The hottest month ever beating July 2009 by 0.7°F. Although July 2009 still holds the highest avg low by 0.1°F

Another interesting fact about July is that Heat Island Effect was on full display especially when you compare Yuma to Phoenix.
Yuma's average high was nearly indenticial at 109.5°F (7th Hottest) despite Yuma being at a much lower elevation. Their average temperature was 95.4°F (16th Hottest) and actually -0.2°F cooler than Pepperridge!! The biggest different was the average low of
81.3°F (31st warmest) and 6.7°F degrees cooler than Phoenix due to less concrete and asphalt from urbanization. Tucson also
saw their hottest July with a average temperature of 91.5°F. The average high was 104°F (4th Hottest), and a average low 79°F (warmest),
due to lack of significant rain 0.46 inches of rain (10th driest), caused by the strong high pressure overhead and the Heat Island Effect!!

August 15th - It is official THE RECORD IS BROKEN for the most 110°F+ Days in a Calendar year at Pepper Ridge
North Valley the record is now at 11 Days the old record was 10 days in 2017

August 16th - It is official THE RECORD IS BROKEN again for the most 110°F+ Days in a Calendar year in North Valley the record
now stands at 12 Days. The daily record was also broken at 112.9°F the old record high was 109.7°F in 2013.
The low this morning of 87.0°F was a record high minimum for date the previous record is 85.9°F in 2000
The heat has been the main story for first two weeks of August as the Monsoon has been nearly nonexistant.

Finally today with the Monsoon Ridge was in more classic postion some Thunderstorms came down off the Rim bringing mainly
brief high winds and dust without more than a few drops of rain to the valley it dropped the temperature into high 90s early this evening.
However at few spots in far North valley received spotty rain including north end Lake Pleasant which received 0.35 inches
of rain and Wittmann Northwest of Surprise and Sunset Point received 0.55 inches of rain. Areas to north and west
of the White Tank Mountains received between 0.10 inches and 0.35 inches of rain with Morristown received 0.12 inches of rain.
Other areas of state to Southeast of the Metro area around Globe Az saw rain and small hail. Further south in Oro Valley North of the
Tucson in the area of the Bighorn Fire they received between 0.50 to 1.25 inches of rain!

August 17th - THE RECORD IS BROKEN again for the most 110°F+ Days in a Calendar year in North Valley now at 13 Days
the old record was 10 days in 2017. The daily record was also broken at 112.7°F the old record high was 108.7°F in 2013.
The low this morning of 84.8°F was a record high minimum for date the previous record is 80.6°F in 2002

And another night of mostly Dry Thunderstorms in the Phoenix Metro Area. These thunderstorms moved off the Superstition Mountains
and the Lakes Northeast and East of the Valley where up 0.50 inches of rain fell in the mountains.
Once the storms made it into the far East Valley they produced up to 50 mph wind gusts and brief heavy rain and lightning.
The storm totals varied from about 0.04 of rain in west Mesa and Tempe to 0.39 inches of rain in Chandler and far Northeast Mesa

August 20th - The 7 day streak in a row of 110°F+ Days in the North Valley ended thanks in part to increased humidity from
extremely isolated early morning thunderstorms in extreme East Mesa and Apache Junction with between 0.33 inches up to
0.77 inches of rain in Gold Canyon. But here the North Valley the clouds just helped retain the heat for a morning low of 91.5°F.

A second wave of Strong Thunderstorms hit this evening with spotty heavy rain that was intense in some areas.
The winners were Skunk Creek and Carefree Highway with 0.47 inches of rain to 1.38 inches of rain at Desert Mountain School.
That storm essentially leap frogged around Pepper Ridge moving east then south as new storms formed that moved down though the
Arcadia area and the Paradise Valley area with between 0.33 inches to nearly 0.98 inches of rain at Gateway Community College
even the normally dry Sky Harbor received 0.90 inches of rain. Most other areas received less than 0.10 inches of rain.

Here in the North valley at Pepper Ridge North Valley we had sustain winds of 25 mph with gust to 39 mph occurred
and a whopping 0.02 inches of rain bringing the season total to only 0.37 inches of rain the driest on record through August 20th!!
The more interesting event during this storm occurred here with our temperature when it dropped from 100°F at 7:15pm to 79.9°F by
8:45pm the new daily low temperature but then shot back up 94.6°F by 9:10pm before falling again slowly to the low 80s by midnight!!!

August 29th - NONSOON 2020 continues with the first transitional event as low pressure off the California Coast interacts with tropical
moisture from the Baja. The main event was primary in Pima and Pinal Counties with thunderstorms in a strong Southwesterly
flow with the Monsoon Ridge to East in Southern New Mexico. Some of those thunderstorms snuck into the far Southeast Metro Area
with areas from South Chandler to East Mesa seeing between 0.10 inches of rain to 0.75 inches of rain out towards Apache Junction.
Kings Ranch in Pinal County received 1.06 inches of rain!! Another small isolated area in the Southwest valley near the Estrella's in Buckeye picked up from 0.10 inches of rain to 0.59 inches of rain at Ray Rd and Tuthill Rd. Further to the south Waterman Wash and
Rainbow Valley Rd received 0.63 inches of rain. In the North Valley we were teased again with rumbles thunder but nothing exciting here
except for some thunderstorms about 6 miles northwest of here where up to 0.75 inches of rain fell at I-17 and Skunk Creek.

Further to the west thunderstorms in Northwest Phoenix dropped up 0.71 inches of rain on the New River Dam. Areas in
and around Sun City received between 0.10 inches and 0.39 inches of rain at Dysart and Bell Rd. About 0.10 inches of rain
to 0.43 inches of rain fell across extreme North Phoenix up towards Carefree. But nothing was measured at Pepper Ridge leaving us
with 0.02 inches of rain for August and 0.37 inches of rain for the Monsoon so far the DRIEST ON RECORD through August 29th!!

August 30th - The first transitional event of NONSOON 2020 continued today with Southern and Western Maricopa counties receiving the bulk of the action today. First strong thunderstorms formed south of Gila Bend but they fizzled by the time they reached north of I-8 generally producing less than 0.10 inches of rain. The exception was that 0.28 inches of rain fell on the Maricopa Mtns. Later in the day strong thunderstorms formed in a squall line in Northwest Maricopa County and Southern Yavapai County where between 0.67 inches to 0.79 inches fell around Crown King.

Yarnell and Wickenburg areas received between 0.28 inches to 1.10 inches of rain. Yarnell itself had 0.75 inches of rain.
These thunderstorms were slowly moving to the Southeast and the heaviest rain fell in Morristown 1.30 inches,
New River landfill with 1.54 inches of rain, 1.06 inches
near Tonopah and the nearby Belmont Mountains at
nearly 2 inches with 1.97 inches of rain!!
(Click on image to right for larger view of the rainfall map)

Closer to the metro area a wide area in the Northwest Valley received 0.50 inches to 1.00 inch of rain near Anthem. Some actual totals include 0.55 inches of rain in Wittman, 0.51 inches of rain in Sun City West, 0.67 inches at Vistancia Peak, 0.59 inches in Cavecreek
and 0.98 inches of rain at Skunk Creek & the Carefree Hwy. Closer into town between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches of rain
fell in the western valley cities. Some totals include 0.28 inches in Buckeye, 0.16 inches in Peoria with North Peoria receiving
0.43 inches at New River and Bell Road, 0.28 inches at the Cave Buttes Dam and 0.16 inches of rain at Deer Valley Airport.

Here at Pepperidge the winds gusted to 33 mph starting around 6pm and the light rain finally arrived around 8:30pm and lasted till 10pm.
The rainfall total was 0.17 inches of rain bringing the monthly total to only 0.19 inches we avoided having the driest August on record which is still 0.07 inches in 2007 but we remain the DRIEST MONSOON on record through August 30th tied now
with Monsoon 2015 with a unimpressive Monsoon rainfall total 0.54 inches for the season!!

August 31st - August ended on a quiet note with limited thundstorm activity in the mountains and Southeastern Az.
The biggest News was August 2020 was the hottest month ever at Pepperridge North Valley with a with a average
temperature of 95.8°F degrees!! and 0.2°F hotter then July's record breaker. The average high was 107.9°F and
average low of 82.6°F both also are the all-time record warmest beating July 2020 and July 2009 previous records.
Precipitation for August at Pepper Ridge North Valley was a dismal 0.19 inches which is (1.22 inches) below normal.
For the monsoon season we remain tied now with Monsoon 2015 with a unimpressive rainfall total 0.54 inches for the season!!

Hottest Months ever at Pepperridge North Valley.
1. Aug 2020:*	Avg High 107.9°F	Low 82.6 °F	Mean 95.8°F
2. July 2020:	Avg High 106.7°F	Low 82.1 °F	Mean 95.6°F
3. July 2009:	Avg High 106.0°F	Low 82.2 °F	Mean 94.9°F
4. July 2016:	Avg High 105.7°F	Low 81.1°F	Mean 94.6°F
5. Aug 2011:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 94.1°F
6. July 2019:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 80.1°F	Mean 93.9°F
7. July 2003:	Avg High 105.4°F	Low 80.0°F	Mean 93.6°F
7. Aug 2019:	Avg High 105.3°F	Low 80.5°F	Mean 93.6°F
7. Aug 2015:	Avg High 104.5°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 93.6°F
*The hottest month ever beating July 2020 by 0.2°F and the July 2009 record for highest mininium avg low by 0.4°F

Sky Harbor officially had their record hottest month ever!! with a average temp of 99.1°F, beating the previous record
just set in July 2020 of 98.9°F!! The average high of 110.7°F a all-time record by +0.9°F and +1.7°F of the August
all-time record of 109.0°F previously set in 2011 and a average low of 87.4°F -0.1°F of Aug 2011s 87.5°F
The airport received a decent 0.90 inches of rain for the month of August which is (0.10 inches) below normal.

Another interesting contrast for the year Sky Harbor has had a record breaking 50 days of 110°F+ the all-time record
(Old record was 33 days in 2011). While here at Pepper Ridge has seen 18 days of 110°F+ this year also the all-time record,
(Old record was 10 days in 2017). Also we have seen a record 21 days with a low at 85.0°F or above!!

It was hot all over the Desert Southwest with Yuma recording a mean temp of 97.5°F just -0.3°F shy of the 2015 record of 97.8°F.
Yuma's average high of 110.5°F was a all-time record and the average low was 84.6°F just off the record of 86.1°F in 2015
and no measurable rain for August!! Tucson also saw it's hottest month ever with a mean temperature of 92.0°F beating
1994s mean 90.4°F. The average high was 105.2°F beating 104.0°F in 1994 and average low was 78.8°F beating 2011s 77.3°F.
Tucson received 1.16 inches of rain which is (1.25 inches) below the August average of 2.39 inches of rain!!

September 4th-7th - Another extreme heat esipode over the Labor Day Weekend with another round of 110°F+ afternoon highs
including 112.8°F on the 4th and 113.2°F on the 5th the hottest September days on record in the North Valley. Sky Harbor had
114°F and 115°F respectively both records with the 115°F on the 5th being just 1°F off the September all-time record of 116 °F which
occured on Sept 1st, 1950!! and Yuma hit 120°F!! Labor Day was slightly cooler although still hot at 109.8°F marking the 21st time
at 110°F or above in the North Valley and the 53rd time Sky Harbor achieved that mark this year with a high of 112°F!!

September 8th brought a dramatic change which for all intent and purpose has ended NONSOON 2020 as a unseasonally
strong cold front Swept in from the north bringing dense smoke from California wildfires and a Hazy Orange colored Sun.
This storm was cold enough that it brang the first snowfall of the season to Yellowstone and the Rocky Mountains!!
This was a primarly dry storm for Arizona with exception of some strong thunderstorms in the mountains north and east of Phoenix
where Payson was hit by a thunderstorm. The valley was dry expect for a extremely small area in South Chandler & Gilbert
and Queen Creek area that experience a microburst from a thunderstorm as the front past through. Some small hail was reported and
generally up to 0.10 inches fell with a couple of isolated spots received up 0.31 inches!! Some strong thunderstorms also formed in Southeastern Arizona mainly east and southeast of Tucson heading down towards Benson where up 1" inch of rain fell.

In the North Valley no rain at all but the humidity plumented after there had been a overnight low level gulf surge from 41% at 4:42pm to 20% 10 minutes later as the front past. Dewpoint fell from 66.1°F to 47.4°F. The high was 10 degrees cooler
and only 95.4°F in the North Valley and 99°F at Sky Harbor their first sub 100°F
high since July 23rd when it was 98°F. Overnight lows on Wednesday morning
should drop into the mid 60s to upper 60s with the very dry air in place
providing the coolest morning since June 9th!!

Now with extremely dry northerly flow and very dry air in place there is little hope for a recovery of the Monsoon moisture plume in the last 3 weeks of the calendar driven season. It would take a extremely strong gulf surge, combined with a transitional low pressure and a active Eastern Tropical Pacific to have a
chance of any significant thunderstorm activity.

So Monsoon 2020 is likely to end up the DRIEST Monsoon on record in the
North Valley with only 0.54 inches of rain for the season which is currently tied with 2015 through September 8th. The current driest monsoon on record through September 30th is 2009s at only 0.69 inches of rain for the entire season!!

September 14th With the last week being controlled by a dry westerly flow no rain has fallen since the passage of the front on
September 8-9th. We have also had hazy skies from the West's Wildfires and today marked the 102nd day at 100°F or more
in the North Valley now tied with 2018 for most in a calendar year. With the dry weather in place we have now fallen behind 2015 and
this is now the DRIEST Monsoon on record through Sept 14th with a mere 3 days of measurable rain and only 0.54 inches of rain!!
The current forecast predicts there is little to no chance of rain in the next week leaving little time left in month for rain.

The table below shows the extreme heat we experienced across the metro area this hot dry summer.

110°F or more Days Across the Phoenix Metro Area in 2020.
Month	Pepper Ridge North Valley	Deer Valley Airport	Scottsdale Airpark	Mesa Falcon Field	Phoenix Sky Harbor
May:	1	0	1	1	2
June:	0	0	0	0	7
July:	6	9	10	10	19
Aug:	11	11	14	15	22
Sept:	3	3	3	3	3
Totals:	21	23	28	29	53
This is the most days ever in a calender year for all of these locations

September 30th - Monsoon 2020 ends with little fanfare as the last three weeks are dry and hot with little rain or thunderstorms
anywhere in the state!! In the North Valley it was the Hottest and Driest on record with just 3 days of measurable rain and
0.54 inches of rain for the season, the previous record was 0.69 inches in 2009!! At months end we have also set a all-time record
for the most 100°F or more days in a year with 118 days. Sky Harbor had just 2 days of measurable rain the least number of days but
with 1.00 inch of rain it was only the 12th driest on record!! They have had 133 days of 100°F+ which is 2nd most behind 1989s 143 days!!
Tucson had their 2nd all-time driest with only 1.62 inches of rain and Flagstaff had 1.78 inches of rain the driest on record!!
Look for a more detail analysis and breakdown in the coming days!!!

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MONSOON 2020 - Summary and Wrap Up

This year's Monsoon Season was Hottest and Driest in Arizona's History for Most of Arizona's towns and cities.
This was mainly because the area of high pressure (Monsoonal Ridge) aloft that drives the annual monsoon flow remained right over
the top of Arizona or to the south for a large part of Summer which suppressed thunderstorm activity and kept deep monsoonal moisture
to our south as Southwesterly winds flow across the state this led to the very hot temperatures we experienced this summer.

As a result of this persistant weather pattern the statewide precipitation average was nearly half the amount of the previous record low amount, and less than 1/3 of the average. (see graph vs Normal to the left) For many towns and cities, it Significantly increase annual rainfall deficit after a decent winter rainy season plunging all of Arizona into drought again. Flagstaff, which received 1.78 inches of rain this season, their driest on record. Phoenix Sky Harbor measured 1.00 inch of rain for the season which is (1.71 inches) below normal and it was 12th driest on record but with only Two rainfall days all summer which is the least on record. It was saved from being the driest when a storm on Aug 20th dropped 0.90 inches of rain!! In North Valley at Pepper Ridge we had our Hottest and driest Monsoon on record with only 0.54 inches or rain for the season meaning it was a whopping (2.87 inches) of rain below normal!! The previous driest was 0.69 inches in 2009. We had measurable rainfall on only Three days this past summer the least on record. June was fairly average but the hot dry weather that continued throughout the summer made July and August the hottest months on record respectively with Mean temperatures of 95.6°F and then 95.8°F.!!

Hottest Months ever at Pepperridge North Valley.
1. Aug 2020:*	Avg High 107.9°F	Low 82.6 °F	Mean 95.8°F
2. July 2020:	Avg High 106.7°F	Low 82.1 °F	Mean 95.6°F
3. July 2009:	Avg High 106.0°F	Low 82.2 °F	Mean 94.9°F
4. July 2016:	Avg High 105.7°F	Low 81.1°F	Mean 94.6°F
5. Aug 2011:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 94.1°F
6. July 2019:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 80.1°F	Mean 93.9°F
7. July 2003:	Avg High 105.4°F	Low 80.0°F	Mean 93.6°F
7. Aug 2019:	Avg High 105.3°F	Low 80.5°F	Mean 93.6°F
7. Aug 2015:	Avg High 104.5°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 93.6°F
*The hottest month ever beating July 2020 by 0.2°F and the July 2009 record for highest mininium avg low by 0.4°F

Sky Harbor officially had their record hottest month ever in August!! with a average temp of 99.1°F, beating the previous record
just set in July 2020 of 98.9°F!! The average high of 110.7°F a all-time record by +0.9°F and +1.7°F of the August
all-time record of 109.0°F previously set in 2011 and a average low of 87.4°F -0.1°F of Aug 2011s 87.5°F
For the Monsoon season it was 10 degrees above normal with a average temperature (high + low/2) for the Monsoon (6/15-9/30) ended
with a mean temperature of 96.0°F, which is the record warmest by exactly 1 degree over previous record of 95.0°F in 2011.

We also measured the most days of 110°F+ on record this summer with a record 53 days at Sky Harbor
(33 days was the previous record in 2011) and we had 21 days at Pepper Ridge North Valley also a all-time record.
(See table on Sept 14th - for complete 110°F+ stats)

For Tucson Monsoon 2020 ended up with an average temperature of 89.5°F which is 4.5°F above normal. This ranks as the HOTTEST Monsoon on record, eclipsing the previous hottest Monsoon of 88.7°F from 1994. Temperature extremes ranged from 113°F on July 12th to 56°F on September 10th. The rainfall amounts, as is usual during the monsoon, varied widely across the Tucson metro area with values ranging from as low as 1.00 inch up to around 7.00 inches of rain. The Tucson International airport, the official recording location in Tucson, recorded only 1.62 inches of rain. This ranks as the 2nd driest monsoon on record, just behind the record driest monsoon of only 1.59 inches of rain which occured way back in 1924!! Our sister station in the Tucson Metro area located in the Catalina Foothills Sunrise Mountain Ridge measured exactly 2.00 inches of rain!! Which is their driest Monsoon Season on record!!

Kingman measured only 0.25 inches of rain while Yuma and Lake Havasu measured no RAIN at all!!! Many other Arizona locals measured their driest Monsoon on record. These include, Bellemont Flagstaff, Show Low, Williams, Window Rock and Prescott.
The tables below shows various totals for both Northern and Southern Arizona.

Monsoon Rainfall across Northern Arizona

(Click on image for larger view)

Monsoon Rainfall across Southern Arizona

(Click on image for larger view)

Below are the rainfall maps for Maricopa county (Courtesy of Flood Control District of Maricopa County), as you can see precipitation amounts varied greatly. The most rain fell North and Northest of the valley where between 2.00 inches to nearly 4.00 inches
near Crown King. In the valley rainfall ranged from 0.04 inches near Downtown to 2.28 inches at Desert Mountain School in the extreme North Valley Near Anthem. In the North Valley Pepperridge measured 0.54 inches of rain, Deer Valley measured 0.31 inches rain, and Scottsdale Airpark measured 0.58 inches of rain. In the East Valley Falcon Field had 0.57 inches of rain.

Phoenix Metro Monsoon 2020 rainfall (click on image for larger view)	Maricopa County Monsoon 2020 rainfall (click on image for larger view)

We also continued a 5 year trend of below normal Monsoon Rain at Sky Harbor. The wettest year in past 10 years was 2014 with 6.34 inches and driest was last year with 0.66 inches!! The Phoenix Rainfall Index which has been tracked since 1990 had it's driest Monsoon on record with only 0.46 inches of rain the wettest was in 2014 with 7.02 inches!!

One key element this summer was we had little influcence from the Tropics as September the transitional month was bone dry after the late summer cold backdoor front basically ended the Monsoon on September 8th!! This event only brought limited rain and Thunderstorms mainly to the White Mountains and extreme Southeastern Arizona and it was followed by strong High Presure and very dry air for rest of month of September.

Chances are we could have a dry winter too. As a moderate La Niña is now in effect and that typically drives the jet stream (the steering wheel for storms in the upper atmosphere) is too far north to bring wet winter storms into Arizona. On the plus side there have been a few exceptions that resulted in wet La Niña winters although they are usually warmer and drier. It has also been noted that the the Summers after La Niña winters tend to have more active Monsoon seasons since the easterly trade winds that help drive the Monsoon are stronger.

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THE 2019 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2019 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of July 14th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on July 12th.!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 9th ---- 37.6°F	July 12th*---- 55.3°F
July 10th ---- 47.3°F	July 13th ---- 58.1°F
July 11th ---- 51.1°F	July 14th ---- 61.5°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 14th - Monsoon 2019 has finally began as of July 12th. Although it is still a
low grade Monsoon pattern with mainly mid and high level moisture streaming into
Arizona and we are experiencing intense heat under strong high pressure.
This pattern is primarily limiting thunderstorm activity to the high country
and in mountains North and East of Phoenix. In Southeastern Arizona a few thunderstorms has formed the last couple of days around and East of Tucson.

We can expect at least two more days of intense Heat with limited thunderstorm activity, by mid week the thermal low is expected to begin to set up near Yuma and finally begin to import more low level moisture from the Gulf of California leading to more widespread Thunderstorm activity towards the end of the week.

July 21st - Monsoon 2019 finally begins by the old traditional method of a 55°F dewpoint average for three consecutive days at Sky Harbor Airport as of July 23rd which marked the third day in a row with the dewpoint average at or above 55°F degrees. As a result, using the old dew point rule, the
Monsoon 2019 started officially on July 21st, which is tied with Monsoon 1960 and Monsoon 1997, as the second latest start on record.

July 22nd - Monsoon 2019 finally arrives tonight in Phoenix but with a whimper here in the North Valley with wind, dust, lightning
and very brief heavy rain. The rainfall total at Pepperridge amounted to only 0.13 inches not much but better than nothing.
A few spots in North Valley did see up to 0.25 inches. The big winners tonight were isolated spots in North East Mesa
with up to 1.14 inches near Val Vista and the Loop 202. Storms also hit near Wickenburg and more widespread rain
fell in Pima and Pinal counties between Phoenix and Tucson.

July 24th - Early morning showers and thundershowers moved across the Phoenix Metro Valley dropping rain in many
places including Sky Harbor which recorded 0.04 inches the first measurable rain for the Monsoon offically.
Pepperridge received a meager 0.05 inches bringing the season total to 0.18 inches, most locations that received rain
recorded between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches The Big winners today were Queen Creek with 0.51 inches, Rio Verde 0.75 inches
and Sun City with amounts ranging from 0.39 inches to over 3/4 of an inch with 0.83 inches.

July 30th - The Monsoon finally returns to the valley with Strong Thunderstorms in East Mesa where up 1.14 inches fell
Falcon Field also record a 68 mph wind gust causing some down trees and wind damage in the surrounding areas.
Little was seen in the North Valley early in the evening. A second wave moved through bringing more rain to Tempe
and Central Phoenix and Officially Sky Harbor received 0.13 inches. Rain finally fell later in the North Valley with
Pepperridge ended up with 0.20 inches by Midnight and additional 0.06 inches after Midnight for a total of 0.26 inches.
Other North Valley totals ranged between 0.24 inches up to 0.63 inches in North Scottsdale near Pinnacle Peak.
In the West Valley Buckeye received 0.47 inches, El Mirage 0.31 inches and 0.55 inches fell at Luke Airforce Base.
South of Phoenix was hit hard near Sun Lakes and Maricopa 0.51 inches and over towards Queen Creek with 1.14 inches

August 3rd - Another big Tease and disappointment outflow winds from the storms to the north caused pop up thunderstorms
to form over parts of the valley however the movement was to the N NE a unfavorable direction for a good widespread storms.
While some rain fell in a few isolated spots it did not fall where it really counts just wind and dust and a few spits of rain
here in the North Valley with only a Trace recorded. A few isolated spots of the valley saw up to 1/3 to a few isolated spots got
a 1/2 inch mainly in Scottsdale and Mesa again as the disappointment continues in North Phoenix. Sky Harbor received 0.10 inches

August 28th - The Monsoon finally returns after nearly a month long break since storms hit part of the valley on Aug 3rd!!
Tonight's thunderstorms originated from storms to the North and East of Phoenix on first active day on the Rim in quite awhile.
Thunderstorms first formed in the far East Valley around 8pm, dropping 1/3 to 3/4 inch of rain, Falcon Field measured 0.71 inches and
one spot near University Dr and 62nd St recorded 1.06 inches. Storms then moved into Scottsdale and North Phoenix by 9pm
Pepperridge North Valley saw it's first decent rainfall of Monsoon season with 0.56 inches mainly between 9 and 10 pm.
Areas of North Phoenix just South and West of this station were the big winners with 1.10 inches at Tatum and Shea and 1.22 inches
at 7st and Thunderbird. Northwest and west Phoenix saw rain too with 0.79 inches in Sun City and 0.55 inches in Glendale.
further south and west Buckeye with 0.91 inches, Laveen measured 0.75 inches and Sky Harbor only measured 0.14 inches!!

Another interesting stat we recorded 57,804 flashes of lightning producing 116,876 lightning strokes over Arizona in the last 24hrs!!

September 14 & 16 - The Monsoon teasing us again wind, dust and little rain on September 14th only a trace was measured
as a Easterly Wave effected the Eastern 1/3 of the state with rains of up 1 inch of rain. In the valley far East Mesa received up to
about 0.50 inches of rain. Pepperridge recorded only a Trace, leaving September with only 0.03 inches and 1.06 inches for the Monsoon.

September 16th brang phase two as a transitional event produced isolated showers and Thunderstorms mainly in Southeastern Arizona
with Casa Grande and Tucson receiving up to 1 inch of rain A strong thunderstorm did manage to form over Buckeye and Goodyear dumping heavy rain in spots with up to 2 inches in one location in Buckeye. As the thunderstorms traveled to North East
they lost their intensity however parts of central Phoenix recorded about 1/3 inch of rain.
Pepper Ridge was on the Northern fringes of this storm and receiving only 0.01 inches and only 0.04 inches for September!!

September 23rd - A strong transitional event occured today when a strong low pressure dropped down the Colorado River Valley
and combined with remant moisture from Tropical Storms Lorenna and Mario which dissiapated over Sonora Mexico and Baja California.
This led to widespread to numerous sometimes severe Thunderstorms over Central Arizona. This included reports of 1/2 in
to 3/4 in diameter hail and a comfirmed rare EF-0 Tornado that touch down north of the valley near New River causing minor damage
The main impact of these storms was heavy rain including up to 2 1/2 inches in far East Mesa and up to 3 inches in Fountain Hills.
The mountains East and North the Valley saw between 3.25 inches at Crown King, 3.31 inche at Mt Ord
and 4.42 inches at the Reavis Trailhead near Roosevelt Lake. Metro Phoenix totals varied from only 0.17 inches at Sky Harbor
to about 2.05 inches in Central Scottsdale. Most areas received between 0.25 inches and 1.50 inches of rain,
here at Pepperridge North Valley we received just over 1 inch with 1.12 inches bringing the Monsoon Total to 2.19 inches!!

Another interesting stat it was a very active day of lightning strikes as we recorded 76,592 flashes of lightning
producing 189,987 lightning strokes over Arizona in the last 24hrs of which 203 were nearby lightning flashes!!

September 26th - Residual Thundershowers hit mainly the West Valley and NorthWest Valley as the cutoff continued to spin near Yuma
The Big rain winners in last 24hrs were Buckeye with 1.23 inches near Sun City 0.91 inches and 1.20 inches iof rain near Wickenburg.
Isolated spots in Mesa received up to 0.55 inches and 0.83 inches of rain in Maryville. Sky Harbor received only 0.05 inches of rain
and 0.43 inches of rain fell near 7 Ave and Cavecreek. Pepper Ridge North Valley recieved 0.16 inches of rain
leaving September 2019 with 1.43 inches of rain and Monsoon 2019 with 2.46 inches the 9th driest on record

September 30th - Monsoon 2019 ends with little fanfare and overall was a Hot and unusually dry Summer and ends as one of
the driest Monsoons on record In Fact without the transitional event of September 23rd - 26th the season would haved ended with
1.07 inches the 2nd driest however the late September storms increased the September rainfall total at Pepperidge from 0.04 inches
to 1.45 inches or + 0.60 inches above the 0.85 inches normal for the month the only above normal rainfall month
this summer and 2.48 inches for the season (0.95) inches below the normal of 3.43 inches and the 9th driest on record!!

Sky Harbor faired worse with only 0.25 inches for September or (0.39) inches below the September normal of 0.64 inches in fact
for the entire Monsoon season Sky Harbor received only 0.66 inches of rain (2.05) inches below the normal of 2.71 inches
Monsoon 2019 now offically ranks as the 5th driest ever since 1895 when official records were first recorded!!

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MONSOON 2019 Summary and Wrap Up

This year's monsoon season was one of Arizona's driest ever, despite wet transitional event near the end of September.
For many towns and cities, it wasn't enough to put a dent in the annual rainfall deficit. Flagstaff, which received 2.08 inches this season,
which is only 25% of normal. Bellemont with 3.03 inches, Grand Canyon Village with 1.72 inches, Phantom Ranch 0.45 inches,
Show Low 3.83 inches, Teec Nos Pos 0.77 inches and other locations also experienced their driest monsoon on record!

Monsoon Rainfall across Northern Arizona

(Click on image for larger view)

The Dry Monsoon was thanks in part to a wetter and cooler than normal May followed by a mild June. Combined with the
waning effects of the El Nino pattern that brought a cold wetter than normal winter followed by the cooler than normal wet Spring.
The Monsoon flow and pattern was delayed and did not really arrive in the state till mid to late July and once here it was very sporadic.

For Phoenix, this year's monsoon season, was the fifth driest since record-keeping began in 1896 at Sky Harbor,
with only 0.66 inches!! which (2.05) inches below the normal for that time span of 2.71 inches.
Pepperridge North Valley received 2.48 inches which is (0.95) inches below the normal of 3.43 inches and the 9th driest on record!!
It should be noted without the transitional event both locations were closing in on their 2nd driest Monsoon season on record!!

Just in case your wondering how this summer ranked for heat after a relatively mild June the heat was on in July,
thanks to the lack of summer rains here's where July and August rank!!

Hottest Months ever at Pepperridge North Valley.
1. July 2009:	Avg High 106.0°F	Low 82.2 °F	Mean 94.9°F
2. July 2016:	Avg High 105.7°F	Low 81.1°F	Mean 94.6°F
3. Aug 2011:	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 94.1°F
4. July 2019:*	Avg High 105.1°F	Low 80.1°F	Mean 93.9°F
5. July 2003:	Avg High 105.4°F	Low 80.0°F	Mean 93.6°F
5. Aug 2019:*	Avg High 105.3°F	Low 80.5°F	Mean 93.6°F
5. Aug 2015:	Avg High 104.5°F	Low 82.1°F	Mean 93.6°F
*So 2 of the Top 5 have occurred or have been a tie this Summer.

After the first two weeks of September temperatures began to fall with the passage of the fronts of the transitional season.

According to Maricopa County Flood Control District rain gauges, several places in the Valley recorded much more rain
than Sky Harbor. A gauge near New River picked up 2.99 inches, One at Luke Air Force Base recorded 2.56 inches,
the gauge at Galloway Wash near Carefree saw 2.05 inches and Gauges in McDowell Mountain Regional Park and
at the Wickenburg Airport both registered 1.77 inches for the Monsoon Season.

Fewer significant rain events also translated into fewer days of flooding. "Normally we see anywhere from 20-40 days out of 108
monsoon days. We had 12 this year," said Daniel Henz, a meteorologist for the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Monsoon 2019 rainfall (click on image for larger view)	Southeastern Az Monsoon Rainfall 2019 (click on image for larger view)

Most of Western Arizona was dry in fact Yuma, Az only recorded a Trace all summer long until the Sept 23rd storm.
When a strong transitional event occured when a strong low pressure dropped down the Colorado River Valley and
combined with remant moisture from Tropical Storms Lorenna and Mario which dissiapated over Sonora Mexico and Baja California.
This storm dumped 0.53 inches on Yuma on September 23rd which proved to be the only measurable rain in Yuma all Summer!!

Much of Southeastern Arizona fared better as in Tucson, the monsoon closed in just 1.02 inches shy of the normal, at 5.06 inches.
Our Sister station in Tucson Sunrise Mountain Ridge in the Catalina foothills recorded 5.07 inches for season
Southeastern Arizona benefited from the displaced Monsoon Ridge which was forced futher to the south than normal thanks to the
persistant Westeries. As a result of this pattern only Southeastern 1/3 of Arizona was placed in the favorable moist pattern
with most of the Monsoon moisture getting shunted in New Mexico under the persistant Southwesterly flow.

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THE 2018 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2018 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of July 8th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on July 6th.!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 3rd ---- 46.3°F	July 6th*---- 57.2°F
July 4th ---- 51.6°F	July 7th ---- 57.9°F
July 5th ---- 53.8°F	July 8th ---- 60.8°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 8th - The Monsoon begins with intense heat as the low this morning was only a balmy 89.8°F
This is 3rd day in row with lows above 88°F and Highs at or near 110°F and little relief in the way of thunderstorms.
Today by far was the most active so far with storms north of the valley as well as southwest of the valley
However little more than dust from the outflows made into the Phoenix metro so the dry streak continues
now reaching 119 days with no measureable rain currently the 3rd longest such streak!!

July 9th - The dry streak is over at 119 days as Strong Thunderstorms hit the Phoenix area bringing much needed rain
Sky Harbor received 0.56 inches of rain with wind gust of 71 mph!!! and ended their 119 day dry streak with no measurable rain!!
Hear in the North Valley we received 1.02 inches about 0.75 inches of that fell in 30 minutes!! and winds gusts up to 37 mph!!
Rainfall totals across the valley range from about 0.10 inch to 1.34 inches in the Laveen area of South Phoenix
North Mesa saw about 1 inch, Encanto Area 1.25 inches and the North Valley 1.02 inches from this powerful storm.

July 11th - Monsoon 2018 is off to a good start with another round of Thunderstorms primary effecting the West and North Valley
The early wave of Thunderstorms primary hit Glendale and parts of Phoenix with up to 1.00 inch of rain near Metrocenter.
A later wave of Thunderstorms added to the 0.07 inches that fell earlier at Pepperridge. Starting around 9:30 pm about 3/4 inch fell
in about 30 Minutes. Moderate rain from Thundershowers continue until about Midnight totaling 1.18 inches for day.
A total of 2.20 inches rain has fallen in the last 3 days compared to 1.43 inches for the first six months of the year!!

Other totals for the day include: a Trace at Sky Harbor while other cities faired much better with 1.65 inches near Metro Center
in Phoenix, 0.83 inches in Glendale, 1.57 inches in Surprise, 1.26 inches at Deer Valley, 0.93 inches at Scottsdale Airpark,
1.50 inches around Wickenburg, 1.10 inches in Carefree and 2 to 2.50 inches in the Mountains Northwest of Lake Pleasant.

July 30th - Monsoon 2018 returned to the lower deserts this evening after a
2 week period of intense heat under strong high pressure which primarly
limited the thunderstorm activity to the high country in mountains North
and East of Phoenix. A strong line of severe thunderstorms approached the
valley from the northeast and east shortly after 6pm. Strong to severe winds
developed causing a very large area of outflow winds to spread across
Maricopa and Pinal counties. While the thunderstorms eventually decayed as
they invaded the lower elevations the winds remained exceptionally strong
through portions of the North and West Valley of the Phoenix Metro area,
causing major power outages and widespread wind damage.

Peak observed winds gusts were 74 mph at the Phoenix/Deer Valley airport and Goodyear airport, though widespread values of 40-60 mph were common.
Winds peaked here at Pepperridge at 30 mph sustained and a peak gust of 50 mph.
NWS storm spotters and local media reported many trees down, primarily concentrated from north Phoenix to Goodyear.

Average rainfall amounts across Phoenix Metro Area were about 0.25 inches which caused minor street flooding,
the heaviest rain fell across the extreme north valley and extreme east Mesa where about 1.00 inches were observed.
Here at Pepperridge we received 0.33 inches, some other totals include 0.91 inches at Usery Mtn Park, 0.88 inches in Fountain Hills,
0.98 inches in North Scottsdale at Pima & Jomax, 0.43 inches in Cavecreek, 0.79 inches in Anthem and 0.75 inches in Wittman.
Outside the valley the big winners were 1.30 inches at the North end of Lake Pleasant and 1.85 inches at Bartlet Lake.

July 31st - July ended on a down day with limited thunderstorm activity across the state. The July rainfall at
Pepperridge totaled 2.55 inches which is +1.44 inches above normal, the 3rd wettest July on record and the wettest July since 2005!!
The average temperature at Pepperridge for July was 93.1°F the average high was 104.7°F and the average low was 81.1°F.
Sky Harbor received 0.70 inches for July which is (0.35) inches below normal with average temperature of 96.5°F which is + 1.7°F
above normal. Sky Harbor's average high was 107.5°F +1.4°F above normal and average low 85.5°F +2.0°F above normal.

Aug 2nd - A strong cluster of strong thunderstorms south of the valley sent a
large Haboob or dust wall into the Phoenix Metro area. This wall of dust was estimated to be at least 50-60 miles wide and 5000ft tall as it entered the valley
causing low visiblity and strong gusty winds up to 60 mph measured at Chandler and Goodyear Airports and a 54 mph gust at Sky Harbor Airport.
Thunderstorms behind this dust wall reached their strongest intensity across the
far Southwest and West Valley areas. Reports of several structures damaged or destroyed were received in the Rainbow Valley area, and specifically in the Estrella Mountain Ranch community where a strong wet microburst occured (Pictured Left). Additional thunderstorms formed as the storm cluster moved north primarly over the far west valley near Surprise which dropped heavy rain and hail. There was also thunderstorm wind damage with several trees down reported in Surprise.

Heavy rainfall amounts include 1.73 inches in Rainbow valley near Waterman wash, 0.63 inches in Buckeye, 0.91 inches at Luke Airforce Base, 0.94 inches at Lake Pleasant North, 1.30 inches in Maricopa and 1.38 in Surprise. Other amounts in west valley averaged about 0.33 inches and Sky Harbor received 0.05 inches. Being a primary West Valley storm Phoenix proper and the East Valley saw little if any rain. Here at Pepperridge North Valley we had gusty winds and dust and a mere Trace of precipitation was measured.

August 8th - For second night in a row as is typical during the Monsoon tonight's thunderstorm will be judge by where you live
tonight's winners were clearly North Scottsdale, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills where the High winds and heavy rain fell
dropping between 0.50 and 1.50 inches with the heaviest in North Scottsdale and Fountain Hills.
1.22 inches fell on Camelback Mtn and nearly 2 inches fell in the Mc Dowell Mountains with 1.89 inches!!

Last night's storm Primary hit East Mesa and Gilbert with between 0.25 inches and about 0.83 inches.
Here in the North Valley we basically got a brush by from tonight's storm with 34 mph wind gust and 0.11 inches
and nothing but wind and dust from Tuesday night's storm, so August is off to a slow start so far at Pepper Ridge North Valley!!
On Tuesday Sky Harbor had 0.08 inches of rain, tonight they received additional 0.08 inches and measured a 64 mph wind gust!!

August 9th - The fickle natural of the Monsoon showed it's face for the third day in a row. Thunderstorms moved in two waves
across parts the valley. The first wave occurred last night in evening around 7pm to 9pm in the Northwest valley
dropping heavy rain from Lake Pleasant to Surprise in amounts ranging from 0.10 inches to 0.87 inches near Surprise.

Wave two came late at night starting shortly after 11pm as it moved off the Superstitions mountains dropping heavy rain across
primary the East Valley in amounts ranging from 0.50 inches to 2.50 inches. East Mesa and Tempe received the heaviest pockets
of rain at 2.50 inches. Which caused flooding on the US 60 near Rural and Mclintock roads. In the central core of the valley it
was only a lightning show as light amounts of rain fell generally under 0.25 inches. Interesting fact that Sky Harbor received only
0.11 inches which actually occured after Midnight, compared to Tempe a few miles away getting 2.25 inches.
In fact there was a couple of isolated spots in Tempe that unofficially received just over 3.50 inches!!
Here in the North Valley nothing but a Trace fell as it has been a dismal August so far...a mere 0.11 inches precipitation has
fallen in three days of very active strong storms which have drench parts of the valley.

August 10th - Another wave of strong to severe Thundersorms moved
through the valley late in evening around 10:30pm. These storms first moved off
the Roosevelt Lake area bringing stong winds, heavy rain and some hail to
Fountain Hills. Up to 1.38 inches fell in Fountain Hills and extreme East Mesa
received 1.54 inches at Usery Mountain Park. Heavy rain also fell across the
central core of the metro valley in Scottsdale and central Phoenix with
rainfall amounts ranging from 0.50 inches to 1.25 inches.
Sky Harbor received 0.48 inches, bringing the daily total to 0.56 inches
breaking the old daily record of 0.32 inches in 1958. The heavy rain
finally fell in the North Valley starting a little after 11:00pm the
heaviest rain lasted about 15 to 20 minutes and 0.33 inches has fallen
by Midnight and temperature has plunged to 69 degrees!!

An additional 0.04 inches of rain fell into wee hours of morning bringing the
total to 0.37 inches as more on and off showers lasted till around 4am.
Looks like the heaviest rain fell again south of here but we have finally got a good soaking. The clear winners have been,
Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, Tempe and the East valley where between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches of rain has fallen in the last 3 days!!

August 12th - Isolated strong thunderstorms this evening caused strong winds and heavy rain in parts of the valley
Heavy rain again fell in parts of Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert and Chandler, another area of heavy rain hit the Northwest Valley.
The Heaviest rain fell near 124th street and Shea with 1.46 inches and many Central Scottsdale locations along the 101 Freeway
measured between 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches. The other heavy pocket of rain was Northwest of Sun City with 1.89 inches.
Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph were recorded in Scottsdale and at Sky Harbor where a 58mph gust was measured but only a trace
of rain fell and here in North valley 30 to 40 mph winds occured and 0.02 inches of rain fell here at Pepperridge North Valley!!

August 14th - Thunderstorms approached the valley again this evening with wind gusts of 30 - 40 mph. However due to
stronger inhibition or cap over Phoenix they lost most of their power when entering the valley so only brief spotty rain of 0.10 inches
or less was generally observed in parts of the Valley. Meanwhile in the foothill areas they saw 0.25 to 0.35 inches and even one
gauge near Fountain Hills measured 0.83 inches and about 1.10 inches fell in mountains above New River.

Here at Pepperridge North Valley 0.08 inches fell bringing the Monsoon total to-date to 3.13 inches most of which fell
in two big storms in July. This means this active season ranks 3rd as of this date for rainfall Jun 15th through Aug 14th*.
The wettest season to-date for this period was 1.) 1999 with 4.54 inches, 2.) 2005 with 3.74 inches 3.) 2018 3.13 inches*,
4.) 2014 with 2.89 inches and 5.) 2008 with 2.39 inches. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays
out through Sept 30th!! For comparison Sky Harbor the official guage for Phoenix has seen 1.50 inches so far this season.
Even with this active season both locations remain about 2 inches below normal for the year thanks to a very dry winter.

August 23rd - Interesting night as Monsoon Thunderstorms erupt over parts of the valley under an unusual Northwesterly
flow aloft as storms moved west to east. These storms were good rainfall producers with the light steering winds.
Some areas saw very heavy rain especially near North Mountain Park where up to 1.77 inches of rain fell.
Strong gusty winds were reported along with flooded washes and street flooding in the Sunnyslope area.
The far North Valley near Cavecreek also received just over 1.25 of rain and Chandler saw 1.50 inches of rain.
Here at Pepperridge 0.62 inches of rain fell in just under 30 minutes with winds gusting to 37 mph.
Temperatures fell from uppper 90s to the middle 70s in a little under 30 minutes during the storm.
Sky Harbor received 0.25 inches from these storms and far East Mesa and Apache Junction saw up to 1.00 inch of rain

August 24th - More Isolated Thunderstroms formed over parts of the the central city and the East Valley this evening.
One Isolated thunderstorm formed directly over the Sky Harbor dropping 0.42 inches bringing their August total to 1.50 inches.
Further East storms rolled off the Superstition Mtns and far East Mesa and Apache Junction were hit for the second night in a row
with up to 1.00 of rain. The north valley received little if any rain including no measurable rain at Pepperridge.

August 31st - Dry weather dominated the last week of August as westeries disrupted the Monsoon ridge and troughing
turned the upper level winds Southwestly . This pattern is more typical of mid September not late August as a result
no more measurable rain fell in the valley for rest of the month. For the month Pepperridge received 1.20 inches
which is (0.15) inches below normal while Sky Harbor had 1.50 inches which is 0.50 inches above normal
As a whole the month was a tell of extremes while Deer Valley only saw 0.29 inches which is way below normal
Isolated areas near Wittman and the most East Valley were way above normal with 3 1/2 inches for the month!!

September 2nd - A low pressure in the westerlies interacted with the Monsoonal moisture plume
and temporary pulled monsoon moisture back into the state. This resulted in return of thunderstorms
to high country and some additional thunderstorm outbreaks in Central and Eastern Arizona
A couple very isolated thunderstorms hit parts of the southwest valley including Avondale and Goodyear
with up to 0.67 inches or rain. Another intense storm hit the Queen Creek area causing a microburst
with intense downburst winds, heavy rain, hail and dropped a little over 1 inch of rain in under one hour.
Later that night an outflow winds from storms in Pinal and Pima County caused an isolated pulse storm that
drop 0.19 inches on Sky Harbor in early morning hours of Sept 3rd. No measurable rain fell in the North valley!!

September 19th - It was a cloudy and showery day thanks to a transitional rainfall event the Monsoon's last Ha-rah.
A low pressure from the westerlies off the California coast moved into the Great Basin today and interacted with residual
Monsoonal moisture in old Mexico. We also had a easterly wave move up from the south. We also got additional moisture
imported from the Baja from the recently formed Tropical Depression 19E this resulted in a band of steady light to moderate
strato-cumulus form rain showers over much of central Arizona more commonly seen with a winter season type event.

These showers resulted in 0.18 inches of rain at Pepperridge and the first measurable rain of September in North Phoenix.
This brings the Pepperridge Monsoon rainfall total todate to 3.93 inches or about 0.50 inches above season total normal
with 11 days left in the season and makes this the wettest Monsoon since 2014!! Sky Harbor received 0.17 inches and parts of the
East Valley saw between 0.20 inches and 0.35 inches which fell at the Chandler Airport. Further south there were thundershowers
in Pinal and Pima counties with rainfall amounts between 0.50 inches and 1.00+ inches of rain in the heaviest storms.

September 30th - Monsoon 2018 ends with a Mostly Cloudy day as the first outer-band clouds from Tropical Storm Rosa
off Baja California approached. This led to a outbreak of thunderstorms in western Pima and Yuma counties
where between 0.50 to 1.25 inches of rain fell during the afternoon hours and this led to locialized flash flooding.
Extreme Southwestern and Western Maricopa county also had thunderstorms that led to 0.39 near Gila Bend
and up to 0.98 inches in the Gila Bend Mountains. Harquhala Mountain had 0.79 inches!!
Meanwhile in Greater Phoenix area light showers fell in evening dropping between a Trace to about 0.20 inches.
Officially Sky Harbor received 0.07 inches and Pepperridge North Valley received 0.06 inches!!

For the Month of September Pepperridge North Valley received 0.24 inches which is (0.64) inches below normal.
The Monsoon Season total for Pepperidge North Valley was 3.99 inches which is +0.56 inches for the season!!
For September Sky Harbor received 0.43 inches which is (0.21) inches below normal.
The Monsoon Season total for Sky Harbor was 2.63 inches which (0.08) inches below normal!!

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THE 2017 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2017 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of July 8th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on July 6th.!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 3rd ---- 58.4°F	July 6th*---- 57.5°F
July 4th ---- 54.7°F	July 7th ---- 55.7°F
July 5th ---- 53.9°F	July 8th ---- 57.6°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 8th - The Monsoon begings with intense heat as the low this morning was only a balmy 96.2°F
If that low holds through midnight tonight it will set a new All-time record high minimum for this station.
The current All-time record high minimium is 91.5°F set on July 16th, 2010.

Under all that intense heat it was the first real active day in mountains with Prescott receiving 1 inch of rain.
Those storms held to together as a convective complex and moved west all the way to the California border.
Even Lake Havasu City and Needles, Ca had thunderstorms and received measurable rain.
Some thunderstorms clip the extreme Northeastern Maricopa county but produced little rain
but the temperature fell to 94.8°F just before midnight but it is still the new All-time highest minimum!!

July 16th - Finally after teasing us the last 2 days wind strong winds and dust storms the Monsoon delivers.
More widespread rain falls across the Phoenix Metro area from nighttime thunderstorms
as compared to last couple days where rain mainly fell in the extreme Northwest part of the valley near Lake Pleasant.
Here at Pepperidge 0.90 inches fell between 10pm and Midnight ending a 67 day dry streak.
So far it appears the heaviest rain fell in west valley near Luke Airforce base with 1 1/2 inches to nearly 2 inches!!

July 21st - The beauty after a surprise evening thunderstorm moves through North Valley this evening
bringing meaningful rain to the Pepperridge where we recorded 0.37 inches of rain.
Parts of the East Mesa amd Apache Junction saw 0.75 inches and Central Phoenix saw up 0.50 inches

July 23rd & 24th - Monsoon starts with a big tease last night bringing wind and sprinkles to the North Valley.
Round two this morning brings another 1.00 inches to the Far East Valley on top of the 1.5 inches they saw last night.
Leaving 2.50 to 2.75 inches in places like Apache Junction, East Mesa, Queen Creek and even Buckeye.
The North Valley finally gets some moderate rain this morning for a little over an quarter inch with 0.28 inches.
Sky Harbor's the official gauge measured 0.40 inches over the last two active days

July 29th - Thunderstorm activity returned to the valley this evening as storms moved off the rim into parts of Phoenix. The heaviest rain fell on the outer edges
of the valley where up to an 1 inch fell near Lake Pleasant and in parts of
Apache Junction. Another strong cell formed in the Southwest valley hitting near
Luke Air-force base with winds of up to 80 mph and up to 1.25 inches of rain!!

Another cell formed nearly directly overhead in the North valley as a brief heavy thunderstorm hit just after 5pm. Nearly 1/3 inch of rain fell in about 20 minutes!! The daily total was 0.32 inches, with 30 mph wind gusts at Pepperridge this cell moved southwesterly and dropped up to .60 inches on the Phoenix Mtn preserve near 7th st and Thunderbird roads. Meanwhile Sky Harbor received only 0.02 inches!!

July 31st - Isolated thunderstorms hit the extreme North Valley today dropping between 0.50 inches and 1.00 just east of Anthem and west of Cavecreek.
(pictured to the right) This storm barely moved south of the Carefree Hwy. Outflow winds peaked at 29mph were recorded here at Pepperridge but no rain fell.

This left us with 2.01 inches for July which is +0.95 inches above normal and the first above normal precipitation in July since 2011!!.
The average temperature at Pepperridge for July was 92.3°F the average high was 103.9°F and the average low was 80.8°F.
Sky Harbor received 0.89 inches for July which is (0.16) inches below normal with average temperature of 95.0°F which is near normal
Sky Harbor's average high was 106.2°F and average low 83.8°F. Rainfall varied widely in the valley with July totals of up to
4.25 inches in Apache Junction & Queen Creek to areas with less than 0.50 inches such as at Jomax road and I-17!!

Aug 3rd - Intense Thunderstorms this evening hit parts of Phoenix Area with strong winds and heavy rain
Parts of North Phoenix received 1.00 inch of rain and the storm drop 0.51 inches at Pepperridge in about 25 minutes.
The heaviest and stongest thunderstorms occured in south central Phoenix near the Phoenx Zoo and Tempe.
With many of these areas seeing high winds, downed trees, street flooding and over 1.75 inches of rain.
Sky Harbor received 0.92 inches of rain and a landspout weak Tornado was detected a few miles south of the airport.
The East Valley also had thunderstorms and received between 0.50 inches and 1.35 inches from these storms!!

Aug 13th - Strange night thanks to the Westerlies influence creating a weather pattern more like mid September than August
slow moving storms moving from west to east kept hitting the same areas for several hours from 9:30pm last night to 6 am this morning.
Areas in the southwest valley saw up to 2 inches in Glendale as well as extreme south Phoenix.
In the east valley mainly south of the US 60 saw many areas with over an 1 inch of rain.
Meanwhile in the Northeast valley there was lots of wind and thunder and lightning in the distance for hours.
A brief shower drop 0.02 inches shortly after midnight here at Pepperridge. Finally after hours of nothing but noise
light to moderate showers fell in North valley between 4 and 6 am totaling 0.16 inches
and the storm total was a disappointing 0.18 inches, Sky Harbor officially measured 0.36 inches.

Aug 23rd - After another 10 days of unusually dry August weather thunderstorms returned to the valley.
A dust storm rolled into the Southeast valley but it produced only light showers but the outflow winds led to new thunderstorms.
Around 9:30pm thunderstorms formed in the north valley. Areas near Moon Valley saw up to 0.50 inches.
The northwest valley also saw around 0.50 inches in northern Peoria. Here at Pepperridge 0.27 inches of rain fell from this thunderstorm.

Aug 31st - Unusually dry weather prevailed for the rest of the month with thunderstorms being restricted to the High country.
For month Pepperridge received 0.96 inches which in (0.41) inches below the August normal of 1.37 inches
Sky Harbor fared better with 1.43 inches which was +0.43 inches above their August normal of 1.00 inches
For the season so far Pepperridge has received 2.97 inches which +0.47 inches of the season to date normal of 2.50 inches.
Sky Harbor has received 2.32 inches which is +0.25 of the season to date normal of 2.07 inches!!

Sept 30th - Unusually dry weather prevailed for most of the month September with thunderstorms being restricted to the High country.
In fact the second half of the month was relatively dry even for the high Country as Westerlies prevailed most of the month.
The only storms to effect the valley occurred on Sept 8th leaving a Trace of rain at Pepperridge and
about 0.50 inches in the extreme eastern part of the valley near Queen Creek and Apache Junction.
For the month both Pepperridge and Sky Harbor received only a Trace of rain , in fact Pepperridge went the
final 37 days of the Monsoon season with no measurable rain. Pepperridge's last measurable rainfall was 0.01 inches on Aug 24th!!
With no measurable rain recorded in September was (0.93) inches below normal & tied 2001 for driest September on record!!

For the season Pepperridge received 2.97 inches which is (0.46) inches below the normal 3.43 inches and the 10th driest on record.
Sky Harbor received 2.32 inches which is (0.39) inches below the normal of 2.71 inches the 62nd wettest on record
with the last official measurable rainfall of 0.06 inches back on Aug 23rd!!

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Monsoon 2017 Summary and Wrap Up

Monsoon 2017- was characterized by two contrasts the active wet period from mid July to mid August.
This was followed by a fairly dry final 6 weeks of the season. This year there was really no major inter-action with Eastern Pacific
Hurricanes these storms usually move up the coast of Baja and inter-act with seasonal low pressure systems that enter the state,
these seasonal transitional events usually send rich moisture into the state and produce September thunderstorm outbreaks.

Monsoon Rainfall - Everybody seems to love the rain, especially in the desert, but the nature of summer storms doesn't mean
everyone will receive the same amount of rain. A small distance of even a mile can mean the difference between
an intense downpour or seeing no rain at all. (The map below left shows the rainfall this summer across the valley).
The big winners in valley were East Mesa at Power and Mc Dowell with 5.08 inches and Queen Creek with 5.94 inches!!

Pepperridge received 2.97 inches for the season which is (0.46) inches below the normal 3.43 inches with 2.01 inches falling in July
The greatest 24 hour total was 0.95 inches on July 16th, August 3rd received the 2nd greatest with 0.51 inches!!
There were only 12 days with measurable rainfall for the season, eight of them occured in July and there were
only 7 days with with at least 0.10 inches or more with four of them in July. Only 2 days received more than 0.50 inches.
Suprisingly there were only 4 days of measurable rain that occured after July 31st and all of days were in August!!

Officially Sky Harbor measured 2.32 inches for the season which (0.32) inches below the official normal of 2.71 inches,
their greatest 24 hr total occured on Aug 3rd with 0.92 inches!! Their second greatest 24hr total was on Jul 16th with 0.38 inches!!
Sky Harbor had 14 days of measurable rain for the season, with 6 days that were greater than or equal to 0.10 inches and only one
greater than 0.50 inches. There were only 5 days of measurable rain that ocurred after July 31st all of them also in August!!

Rainfall totals varied across the state with Flagstaff receiving 8.36 inches just +0.05 inches above normal and the big winner was
Tucson with 8.57 inches or +2.49 inches above normal but 6.80 inches fell in 2 weeks in July their wettest on record!!

Other totals accross the state include; Grand Canyon 5.13 inches, Kingman 5.08 inches, Prescott 7.48 inches,
Payson 8.65 inches and Show Low 7.52 inches. In Southeast Arizona Douglas received 6.91 inches, Oracle 13.73 inches,
Nogales 9.30 inches, Safford 7.04 inches, Sierra Vista 6.18 inches and Willcox 6.67 inches!!

Maricopa County Monsoon 2017 rainfall (click on image for larger view)	Phoenix and Yuma Average High Temps 2017 (click on image for larger view)

Monsoon Heat - The heat was a factor again this summer with early Monsoon dry and hot, the heat peak this year on June 20th
when Phoenix hit a high of 119°F degrees, which tied for the 4th hottest temperature EVER recorded in Phoenix.
In the North Valley Pepperridge recorded 117°F degrees that same day tieing the hottest EVER for our location.
This was the just start of 10 day period of 110°F+ heat around the valley one of the hottest periods in Phoenix history.

Also in early July we set a new all-time high minimum in the North Valley with a low of 94.8°F on July 8th
the old record was 91.5°F on July 16, 2010 In all, Officially Phoenix hit 110°F or hotter twenty-four times this year
all of those days occurred during the Monsoon. By comparsion here in North valley there were 10 days at 110°F or better.

Dry September - September started off just like August ended as it was hot and dry
with it hitting well over 100°F the for first two weeks with the heat officially peaking with a high of 110°F on Sept 13th setting a new daily record!!

Just 9 days later a dry cold-front moved through and it was only in upper 80s. The Autumnal Equinox arrived on Sept 22nd and there were 4 days in a row
with highs only reaching in the 80s at Sky Harbor, making it the coolest September streak since 1996!! In fact this sort of cool streak has only occured 4 times
in the last 50 yrs during the month of September!!

In the north valley we had 6 days in a row and 80s and 4 nights in row
in the mid to upper 50s including a tie of the all-time September low with 55.4°F
on Sept 25th it was also 55.4°F on Sept 21st, 2004!!

This front all but assured the end of the Monsoon scouring out the remaining Monsoon moisture with it's cool dry air. Thunderstorm activity was mainly limited to the mountains all month and for the final month of the Monsoon only a Trace of rain was recorded at both Sky Harbor and Pepperridge!! The chart to above right shows the last 10 years of monsoon rain totals for Sky Harbor.

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THE 2016 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2016 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of June 28th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on June 26th.

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 23rd ---- 55.0°F	June 26th*---- 56.7°F
June 24th ---- 53.9°F	June 27th ---- 59.5°F
June 25th ---- 53.9°F	June 28th ---- 60.8°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

June 28th - The Monsoon has began and we had our first measurable rain on June 27th
when 0.01 inches fell from weak isolated thundershowers that effected parts of the valley.

June 29th - The first real outbreak of the thunderstorms hit the valley this evening primary in the east valley
where 1.50 inches fell in extreme north Mesa at the granite reef dam on the Salt River.
Other parts of the east valley saw up to 1/2 inch, here in the North Valley moderately heavy rain fell,
winds gusted to 23mph and we measured a total of 0.15 inches at Pepperridge North Valley

July 19th - The monsoon finally returns to the valley after long break when isolated thunderstorms effected the mainly the South Mountain and Ahwatukee area where a wet microburst hit (pictured to the right) dropping 2/3 inch of rain on South Mountain. Sky Harbor received 0.36 inches from this storm but here in the North Valley we received nothing

July 29th - After another break a severe thunderstorm formed over South Scottsdale and Tempe area when the outflow boundries of two thunderstorms collided one from a dissipating thunderstorm to north and another from the east this storm drop up to 1 Inch of rain in southern Scottsdale and near the Phoenix zoo. Parts on Chandler saw up to 0.75 inches and Sky Harbor received 0.53 inches and recorded a substain wind of 53 mph and a gust of 70 mph, this caused flight delays for the airport. Meanwhile at Pepperridge North Valley we had brief moderately heavy rain and a 29 mph wind gust and recorded our first mesurable rain of the month with a mere 0.05 inches

July 31st - Another tease as storms moved accross the extreme northern fringes of the valley rain fell mainly from Horseshoe Lake to Lake Pleasant and near Wickenburg where up to a inch fell meanwhile Pepperridge North Valley only saw clouds and winds
We recorded substained winds of 21 mph with gusts to 32 mph which was the strongest gust of month but only a Trace of rain
So for the Month we saw the 2nd hottest July on record with 94.6°F, Jul 2009 still holds the record hottest month ever with 94.9°F.

But 2016 is now the driest July on record with only 0.05 inches (1.07) inches below normal the old record was 0.13 inches in
2000 and 2009. Sky Harbor even beat us and received 0.89 inches for the month which is closer to the normal of 1.12 inches.

In addition the average July high was 105.7°F 3rd hottest ever behind 106.1°F in Jul 2005 and 106.0°F Jul 2009
The average July low was 81.8°F 3rd warmest behind 82.2°F July 2009 and 82.1°F in both Aug 2011 & Aug 2015

Aug 2nd - Another active day for parts of state and valley with heavy rain falling. The heaviest rain in the valley fell
just northwest of downtown with 2.91 inches fallimg near Grand Canyon University and 2.50 inches in Encanto area.
This lead to localized street flooding including the flooding of the underpass at I-17 and Indian School which was closed for 5 hours
Heavy rain also fell near Anthem & New River with 1.50 inches, Old Town Scottsdale also received 1.50 inches as did Falcon Field.

Sky Harbor recorded 0.15 inches and here at Pepperidge we saw 0.18 inches as the storm primarly missed us again.
For the season Pepperridge has only received 0.39 inches more than a 1.25 inches below normal at this point in the season.

Aug 5th - A surprise early morning thunderstorm effected parts of the central Phoenix valley today
It started as a storm that form near South Mountain and moved north where it intensified
Parts of south central Phoenix received 0.75 inches to nearly an Inch and Sky Harbor received 0.52 inches
Finally in the north valley we received rain when 0.29 inches fell between 7:30am and 8:30 am followed by a brief break
a second wave turned into a heavy thunderstorm dumping 1.25 inches between 8:45am and 9:30 am the with the bulk of that
in just 30 minutes causing major street flooding across parts of the north valley and northeast Scottsdale.

When the storm finally ended Pepperridge North Valley had recorded 1.55 inches bringing the monthly total to 1.73 inches
and a few points to the north in the mountains near Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale had up to 2.50 inches!!!
This single storm brought us back to closer to normal with 1.94 inches for the season so far.

Aug 20th - Another evening of Strong Gusty Winds and Isolated Thundershowers in the North Valley.
This evenings Thunderstorm produced a peak gust of 30 mph with substained winds of 22mph and it was followed by a little rain.
The heaviest rain appears to have fallen near Wickenburg with up to 1 inch and a few spots with extreme Northeast Valley saw up
to 0.50 inches. Here at Pepperridge we recorded a meager 0.08 inches which brings the monthly total to 1.85 inches
and the season total to 2.06 inches, the bulk of that falling in the Aug 5th storm which produced 1.55 inches!!!

Aug 22nd - Isolated thunderstorms effected parts of the Phoenix Metro and Maricopa County this afternoon. One Area of heavy rain was near Wickenburg where about 0.75 inches fell and about 0.50 inches fell in Peoria. Another isolated thunderstorm that produced heavy rain was just 5 miles Southwest of here where between a 0.50 inches to nearly an 1.00 inch fell this was in the area around Phoenix North Mountain Park and 7th Street and Thunderbird.

Meanwhile here at Pepperridge we received another meager amount as just 0.04 inches fell to put this in perspective so far this summer we have had 10 days of measureable rain but only THREE of those days have exceeded 0.10 inches!!!

Aug 23rd - Some decent rain from overnight thunderstorms in the Phoenix Metro area the thanks to the unseasonable low pressure from the west that created a more fall like transitional pattern that usually happens in the month of September towards the end of the Monsoon season. This storm dropped between 0.10 inches at
Sky Harbor to about 0.60 inches in Northern Peoria. Pepperridge received 0.27 inches bringing the monthly total to 2.16 inches and the season total to 2.37 inches. This storm also produced the coolest overnight low since Jun 15th the low this morning was a nice cool 68.8°F the last time we fell below 70°F the low that morning was 66.8°F!!

Aug 25th - 26th - Thunderstorm activity continued across mainly the North and Northwest parts of the valley.
Between 0.25 inches and 0.60 inches fell in parts of the northern valley including 0.60 inches Northern Peoria and
heavy rain fell in the mountains North of the Valley including some areas near Crown King receiving over 2 inches.
Here at Pepperridge North Valley the two day total was 0.39 inches bringing the monthly total to 2.55 inches

Sept 7th - The remnants of Tropical Storm Newton began effecting the North Valley early this morning
The bulk of the moisture slammed into Southeastern Arizona where 1 to 3 inches fell beginning on 6th thru 8th
Overnight some areas of extreme southern Maricopa country near Gila Bend saw 1 inch of rain from the system
In Phoenix a few areas mainly in Southwest valley near Buckeye saw up to 0.50 inches of rain.
Here at Pepperridge only 0.17 inches fell in early morning which was a big disappointment.

Sept 19th - 20th - Moisture from a second tropical system Payne began effecting the state this combined with a cutoff Low.
This low pressure moved up near Yuma bringing moderate rain to Southwestern Arizona and Northwestern Arizona.
Rainfall amonts varied between 0.25 inches along the Colorado river basin up to 1.50 inches near Prescott.
Here in Phoenix clouds and humid air brang sprinkles and up to 0.10 inches of rain and Pepperridge recorded a trace.

Sept 22nd - A cold front followed the cut off low and swept through the state and reacted with the remaining tropical moisture
This front caused showers and thundershowers to move through the Phoenix Metro area today where between an 0.10 inches
to 0.75 inches fell in the area, the heaviest rains were from afternoon thunderstorms in Camelback and Arcadia areas.
Here in the north valley at Pepperridge we received a decent amount with 0.40 inches of rain.

Sept 28th - 30th - A cut off low pressure has brought spordic rain mainly to the mountains and Southeast Arizona
While the mountains and Southeast Arizona saw an 1 inch plus over the period the deserts have seen 0.25 inches or less.
Here in Phoenix dust storms hit on the 28th and 29th and brought little rain 0.02 inches at Sky Harbor
Here a Pepperridge we only managed to get 0.01 inches on the 29th bringing Sept total to 0.59 inches which is about (0.36) inches
below normal. The final Monsoon Total was 3.35 inches at Pepperridge which is slightly above the season normal of 3.22 inches.
Sky Harbor the official tally for Phoenix saw 2.49 inches which (0.22) inches below normal of 2.71 inches.

Flagstaff with 11.41 inches, Kingman with 4.27 inches and Tucson with 7.39 inches saw well above normal season totals.

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Monsoon 2016 Summary and Wrap Up

Monsoon Rainfall - Everybody seems to love the rain, especially in the desert, but the nature of summer storms doesn't mean
everyone will receive the same amount of rain. A small distance of even a mile can mean the difference between
an intense downpour or seeing no rain at all. (The map below left shows the rainfall this summer across the valley).

The big "winners" here were in the Central Phoenix area along I-17, SR-51 and Loop 202 corridor north into Scottsdale.
The official gauge at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix received 2.49 inches of rain which is a little below the
seasonal normal of 2.71. However, it is the 55th wettest monsoon in Phoenix since 1895. Here in The North Valley
Pepperridge saw 3.35 inches of rain which 0.13 above normal. The 9th wettest Monsoon.

Further west, Yuma received just .89 inches of rain which is also below the seasonal normal of 1.29 inches
and is the driest monsoon since 2011. Imperial, CA received just .16 inches, much of that in late September. This is also the driest monsoon for Imperial since 2009 when the area saw just a trace. Lastly Blythe, CA saw .54 inches.

During the Monsoon, Phoenix saw 14 days with measurable rainfall and another 13 days with a trace. The wettest day at
Sky Harbor was July 29th with 0.53 inches of rain. Meanwhile, Yuma had five days
with measurable rain and another six with a trace. The wettest day in Yuma was July 25th with 0.37 inches of rain.

Here in the North Valley we saw 17 days with measurable rainfall 8 of those days were > 0.10 inches
and only 4 days exceded 0.25 inches the wettest day was August 5th with 1.55 inches.
July was the driest ever with only 0.05 inches of rain all which fell on July 29th!!!

Maricopa County Monsoon 2016 rainfall (click on image for larger view)	Phoenix and Yuma Average High Temps 2016 (click on image for larger view)

Big Heat - The heat in the desert southwest is no joke, and this year on June 19th, Phoenix hit a high of 118°F degrees, which tied
for the 5th hottest temperature EVER recorded in Phoenix. In the North Valley Pepperridge recorded 117°F degrees that same day
the hottest EVER for our location. In all, Offically Phoenix hit 110°F or hotter 30 times this year and twenty-six
of those days occurred during the Monsoon. By comparsion here in North valley there were 9 days at 110°F or better.

On the same June day, the mercury in Yuma hit 120°F degrees. Yuma hit 110°F or hotter 31 times this year
and twenty-eight of those days were during the Monsoon. (see graphic above right for average highs this summer)

The heat can be deadly. Heat is our biggest weather killer in Arizona. Checkout this link for heat safety information: Heat saftey Tips

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THE 2015 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2015 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of June 27th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on June 25th.

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 23rd ---- 52.1°F	June 26th---- 58.8°F
June 24th ---- 50.9°F	June 27th ---- 58.9°F
June 25th* ---- 55.9°F	June 28th ---- 60.9°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 18th & 19th - Arizona and Southern California began to feel effects of Hurricane Dolores.
The storm curved toward the north-northeast off the coast of Baja California and began to weaken.
She was downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday July 17th and degenerated into a post-tropical low-pressure on July 18th.
Her last reported location on Saturday evening was about 300 miles west of the Baja California coast.

At the same time a unseasonally strong cut off low pressure was postioned off the Southern California coast
the combination of this low pressure and the monsoonal flow helped pull the rich tropical moisture into the Desert Southwest.
This pattern set up the stage for a outbreak of potentially heavy rainfall by enhancing the monsoonal flow,
but the unusually strong low pressure off Calif pulled most the rich tropical moisture into Southern California.
This helped Los Angeles and San Diego to break their all-time July rainfall records on Saturday, July 18th
This pattern also led to severe thunderstorms and flash flooding in the remote California desert that
caused the collapse of a eastbound bridge on Interstate 10 near the Desert Center on Sunday July 19th!!!

Meanwhile parts of southwestern Arizona and Northwestern Arizona saw heavy rain both days
The closest these storms came to Metro Phoenix was an outbreak of severe thunderstorms near Wickenburg
These storms dumped up to 3 1/2 to 4 inches of rain in a few hours in isolated spots on July 18th
This caused major flooding in some neighborhoods and along washes near the Hassayampa River.

Here at Pepperridge a meager 0.18 inches of rain fell on Saturday July 18th and a few spots in the valley saw up to 0.50 inches
This storm brang the July total at Pepperridge North Valley to a disappointing 0.21 inches which is way below normal
On July 20th the southwesterly flow again took hold surpressing the Monsooon moisture to far Eastern Arizona and New Mexico

Jul 31st - We are still waiting on the first Major storm of the season in the North Valley
While parts of the valley saw up to 1+ inch of rain we recorded a mere 0.01 inches
Even Sky Harbor saw 0.72 inches today making the monthly total 1.13 inches near normal
Meanwhile Pepperridge only saw 0.22 inches for the month (0.90) inches below normal the 2nd driest on record
Only July 2000 and 2009 saw less tied for the driest on record at 0.13 inches!!

Interest side note this is the first time that both May at 1.48 inches & Jun 0.51 inches saw more rain than July
Normally May and Jun combined average is just 0.13 inches!!!

Aug 11th - Monsoon 2015 continues to disappoint here in the North Valley we saw two Major Dust Storms
moved through the valley today one in the morning and another this evening but little rain fell here.
Again the East Valley saw decent rain with up to 1/2 inch to even 1 inch in isolated spots
Meanwhile up here in the north valley 0.01 inches from the morning storm and 0.08 inches this evenings storm
This brings August to only 0.10 inches and the season to unimpressive 0.46 inches the driest since 2009

In contrast normally we would have about 1.50 inches at this point in the season and
last year at this time the mid point of the season we had 2.14 inches

Aug 25th - NONsoon 2015 continues to disappoint another dust storm & Thunderstorms approached from the south only to fizzle out.
Again parts of East Valley saw some decent rain mainly south of US 60. where parts of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Mesa
and Gilbert saw up to .50 inches in some isolated spots with some minor wind damage

Meanwhile areas further North and West saw little if anything from this storm including Central Phoenix
At Pepperridge we had light rain resulting in 0.02 inches which brings August to a dismal 0.12 inches
For the entire Monsoon Season only 0.48 inches has fallen only 2009 was drier at this point with 0.47 inches.

Again it is suppose to dry out as the Monsoon High shifts further south again out of it's Normal 4 corners location
which brings a dry Southwesterly flow & less chance of thunderstorms if this hotter drier weather returns to close out August
We will see the 3rd Driest August, Driest Monsoon thru Aug 31st and hottest August on record!!!

Aug 29th - Again for the second time in three days isolated thundershowers effect parts of the valley
On the 27th the Northwest, Southwest and Parts of the East Valley saw decent rain of up to an 1 Inch
Tonight again the East Valley saw rain with Chandler, Mesa and Tempe seeing the most at up 3/4 of inch
Which means near the main ASU campus both storms delivered a total 1.75 inches.

Meanwhile the North Valley saw sprinkles to light showers from both Thursday's and Saturday's storms.
Pepperridge North Valley had wind and trace of rain on Thursday tonight more wind and a brief thundershower brings 0.06 inches
This leaves August precipitation total at a mere 0.18 inches and the entire Monsoon season at only 0.54 inches.
We are still on track for 3rd driest August, 2nd Hottest August and driest Monsoon thru August 31st at only 0.54 inches

Aug 31st - Tonight's storm formed well South of here and moved in a Northeasterly direction unusual for the Monsoon
It left up to an 1.50 inches of rain in south Central Phoenix and caused flooding and wind damage and at Sky Harbor
Which measured a 61mph wind gust and 0.37 inches of rain bringing August to 1.29 inches near normal
and 2.48 inches for the Monsoon thru Aug 31st which means Sky Harbor is near normal for the season

Only a wind and a lightning show here in the North Valley as the storm passed to Southeast about 5-10 miles away.
This means that here at Pepper Ridge North Valley we will end August with only 0.18 inches
The 3rd Driest August on Record!! and for the Monsoon only 0.54 inches has fallen making it the driest on record thru Aug 31st!!
The previously driest to this point was 2009's 0.67 inches. Records date back to 1997 at this station.

Also the average temp for Aug 2015 was 93.6°F the second Hottest August on Record behind Aug 2011's 94.1°F
This average temperature also ties July 2003 for the third hottest month ever!!

Another interesting note May & Jun were wetter with 2.01 inches than July & August with only 0.40 inches another 1st at this station
where the normally two driest months normally see 0.13 inches beat two of normally wettest months which see 2.49 inches!! Normally we should have about 2.56 inches at this time during the Monsoon
I blame El Nino for this as the westerlies have never completely disappeared this summer
forcing the Monsoon High to remained south of it's normal 4 corners position!!!

Sept 13th - Finally the first major thunderstorm/rain event of the Monsoon hit's West Valley and Northern parts of Valley tonight
This includes Pepperridge North Valley where 0.35 inches of rain fell mainly between 10pm and 11pm.
This is thanks to the first transitional event as a low pressure coming in from California reacted with the Monsoonal moisture
The storm dropped 0.59 inches of rain here in the north valley doubling the seasonal total which had stood at a mere 0.54 inches
With this precipitation 2015 is now only the 2nd driest Monsoon at 1.13 inches leaving 2009's 0.69 inches the driest ever!!

Sept 22nd - The forcasted Major Phoenix rain event of widespread rain event on Monday and Tuesday never materialized.
The forecast predicted 2 to 3 inches of rain from Tropical depression 16E never materialized on Monday
As the bulk of the moisture shifted East hitting parts of Southeastern Arizona with 2 to 3 inches of rain.
Today brought isolated Severe Thunderstorms to parts of the valley with Downtown Phoenix, North Scottsdale
and East Mesa receiving 1 to nearly 2 inches of rain that caused flash flooding in isolated areas.
Most everyone else in the valley saw lite rain or none at all from the tropical storm system.
At Pepper Ridge only a Trace fell both days leaving the Monsoon Season total at only 1.15 inches which is
(36% of Normal) and leaves 2015 as the second driest Monsoon todate, with only 8 days left to go in the season.

Sept 30th - The 2015 Monsooon is officially over it will remain the second driest ever in the north valley
Here at Pepperridge only 1.15 inches fell which is (2.07 inches) below normal of 3.22 inches or (36% of Normal)
Meanwhile offically at sky harbor they faired much better with 3.29 inches compared to a normal of 2.71 inches.

For More details see: Monsoon 2015 Review

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THE 2014 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

MONSOON 2014 - has now officially began using the old traditional method of the Dewpoint
As of July 5th we marked the third day in a row of a average Dewpoint at 55°F or above
This means that the season began on July 3rd. This was also the night of the first big dust storm "Haboob".
However no measurable rain has fallen yet in the North Valley.

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 30th ---- 53.9°F	July 3rd*---- 59.1°F
July 1st ---- 48.9°F	July 4th ---- 64.4°F
July 2nd ---- 49.7°F	July 5th ---- 62.7°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

Jul 3rd - 1st Major Dust storm of the season only a trace falls here
However outside the city heavy rain falls in Maricopa and other areas.

Jul 26th - Finally some beneficial rain from last night's intense severe thunderstorm
Heavy rain and winds with 1.03 inches here 0.54 inches of that fell between 11:10pm and 11:20 pm.
But lots down trees just to East of here looks like micro-burst hit the area...
This storm ended the 90 day streak without measurable rain the 6th longest in station history.

Aug 1st - Late evening thunderstorms hit the north phoenix and the west valley
The storm drops 0.37 inches of rain here while parts of Glendale received 1.5 inches

Aug 2nd - Low Pressure from Baja Californina brings another round of thunderstorms
These storms dump 0.71 inches on Pepperridge this ends a wet week in the north valley
After 90 days of no measurable rain 2.11 inches have fallen since July 26th!!!

Aug 12th - An active evening and night for parts of the valley starting in early evening
The East Valley and then South Phoenix especially around South Mountain with 2.5 inches
Finally in late evening the North Valley got in the act with some showers mainly light
but a breif downpour of 0.50 inches hit around 9:30pm leaving this station with 0.65 inches for the day.

Aug 19th - Record rainfall event in parts of Northern Maricopa and Southern Yavapai Counties
This was due to influence of low pressure off California and a strong Monsoonal Flow.
Between 4 & 5 inches of rain fell from Thunderstorms in the mountains above New River to Cave Creek
This led to widespread flooding in New River and Black Canyon City and Along I-17.
Record Flood stage flows were also recorded along the Aqua Fria River, Skunk Creek, Cave Creek & their tributaries

Here a Pepperridge we saw the most rain in single day since Sept 6th & 7th, 2006 storm which drop 2.76 inches
Today 2.31 inches fell in primarily 2 thunder storms, the first drop 1.23 inches between 6:18 am and 7:18am
with 1.07 inches of rain between 6:30am and 7:00am the second round of thunderstorms started about11:45am
This storm drop another 0.96 inches between 11:45am and 12:15pm another evening storm brought only lite rain here.
The daily total was 2.31 inches bringing August to a record 4.25 inches & the Monsoon total to 5.28 inches 3rd Wettest on Record

Sept 8th - Another Record rainfall event for the Valley thanks to tropical moisture from former hurricane Norbert
Heavy rains fell across the valley leading to 2 to 5 inches of rain causing major street flooding
Sky Harbor set a new all-time daily rainfall record of 3.29 inches the old record was 2.91 inches in 1933
At Pepperridge a daily rainfall record was set with 2.51 inches which is shy of all-time record of 2.79 inches in Feb 2003
However this was the second 2 inch plus daily rainfall in month pushing the Monsoon total to 8.25 inches
This ties 2006 for the wettest monsoon season on record and the second wettest September at 2.89 inches

Sept 27th - A early season Fall storm and Cold front brings the end to 2014 Monsoon season
Severe thunderstorms rolled across the valley with damaging winds and heavy rain and localized flooding
Sky Harbor received 1.64 inches bringing Sept to 5.11 inches 2nd wettest September on record
Parts of the East valley received over 2.5 inches with localized flooding
Here a Pepperridge we received 0.83 inches bringing Sept to 3.82 inches the 2nd wettest behind 2006
2006 remands the wettest September at 5.24 inches However the latest rains help 2014 pass 2006 as
the wettest monsoon with 9.18 inches during the season which beats 2006's 8.25 inches

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Monsoon Rainfall for Pepper Ridge # 1 North Valley Phoenix - 2010 - 2021

YEAR		2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	MAX MNTH	MIN MNTH	MNTLY AVG
JUN		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.14*	0.16*	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.10	0.96	0.00	0.06
JUL		0.56	2.36	0.76	0.87	1.03	0.22	0.05	2.01	2.55	0.45	0.35	3.61	4.03	0.05	1.11
AUG		0.86	1.13	1.19	0.20	4.33	0.18	2.55	0.96	1.20	0.58	0.19	4.05	4.33	0.07	1.27
SEP		0.21	0.08	1.47	2.22	3.82	0.61	0.59	T	0.24	1.45	0.00	0.71	5.24	0.00	0.84
Min Month		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.14	0.05	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.10	0.96	0.02	0.54 season
Max Month		0.86	2.36	1.47	2.22	4.33	0.61	2.55	2.01	2.55	1.45	0.35	4.05	5.24	0.13	9.18 season
Avg/Totals		1.63	3.57	3.42	3.29	9.18	1.15	3.35	2.97	3.99	2.48	0.54	8.47	----	----	3.28

Monsoon Normals are based on the years 1997- 2020

*0.07 in 1999 , 0.05 in 2006, 0.37 2015 & 0.05 2016 Fell Before Jun 15 and is not included in Monsoon Totals
Monsoon Rainfall is statistically measured from June 15th thru Sept 30th!!

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2012 Monsoon Summary ·  2011 Monsoon Summary ·  2010 Monsoon Summary ·  2009 Monsoon Summary ·  2008 Monsoon Summary

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THE 2013 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2013 Monsoon Season Officially began as of 6/30/13
Today July 2nd marked the third day in row with a average dewpoint
reading at 55.0°F or higher, this marks the begin of the season based on older
criteria of dewpoint*, by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 27th ---- 45.4°F	June 30th*---- 57.8°F
June 28th ---- 47.4°F	July 1st ---- 59.9°F
June 29th ---- 51.5°F	July 2nd ---- 60.5°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

Dry August only 0.20 inches falls in the North Valley making it 3rd driest on Record

September brang the return of a wetter Monsoon pattern with 1.68 on Sept 9th
Thanks to a tropical conection with the remants of Tropical Storm Lorana off Baja
The month ended with 2.22 inches of rain the second wetest September on Record!!

Sept 30th, 2013 - Monsoon 2013 ends with 3.29 inches which is +0.07 of normal

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THE 2012 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2012 Monsoon Season Officially began as of 6/26/12
Today June 28th marked the third day in row with a average dewpoint
reading at 55.0°F or higher, this marks the begin of the season based on older
criteria of dewpoint*, by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 23rd ---- 43.5°F	June 26th*---- 55.4°F
June 24th ---- 54.7°F	June 27th ---- 59.2°F
June 25th ---- 52.6°F	June 28th ---- 58.9°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

June 27th - Marked the first major Dust Storm of the season due to thunderstorm outflows from
storms near Case Grande. It appears that high pressure system will move back overhead this weekend
bringing excessive heat and a temporary break in monsoonal moisture flow
through early next week. So the season is here but little storm impact is expected for now.

July 14th - Major Thunderstorm outbreak accross parts of the state including the East Valley
East Mesa, Gilbert and parts of Chandler get up to 1 - 1/2 inches of rain
Here in the North Valley debris clouds bring a Whopping 0.02 Inches of rain.
Season total is now at 0.24 inches as the dry start to the Monsoon continues!!!

Jul 21st - So far the first 3 weeks of the Monsoon has been a dud in the North Valley.
5 storms that have brang a total of a mere 0.35 inches, leaving the year todate rainfall at 1.69 inches
which is right now the driest year on record in 16 years of data keeping thru July 21st!!!
This evening started with A Impresive dust storm but the rainfall was only 0.10 inches
Futher to north in New River they got up to 1 - 3/4 inches which is more than our yearly total!!!

July 31st - July 2012 closes 0.08 inches from a brief thunderstorm bringing the monthly total to 0.76 inches
Which is -0.46 inches below normal and makes this July the 7th Driest on record
The drought continues as 2012 is now the 2nd driest year on record thru July 31st!!
Only 1997 had less rain thru July 31st with 2.04 inches compared with 2.10 inches this year

Further to North the Anthem / New River area got hit hard again with street flooding and 1.5 inches of rain
This was a very isolated storm as the strange Monsoon Season continues with some areas receiving more rain
than normal and other areas very little... for an active season 2012 has been a big disappointment so far.

Aug 14th - The monsoon tries to return after 2 weeks relentless heat but was unimpressive again!!
Only 0.09 inches fell here in the North Valley the only thing it really did is prevented the daily Low of 90°F
This would have been only the 4th time the low was 90°F or higher the storm cooled to it to 83°F
The Monsoon Season total is only 0.86 inches less than 60% of normal so far and it stands as the 2nd driest on record.

Aug 21st - Finally Monsoon 2012 produces a storm that delivers meaningfull rain in the North Valley!!
Moderate rain has been falling from a thunderstorm complex over Phoenix for last 2 hours since 10pm
These storms brang heavier rain south of the valley of 1 inch + but so far Pepperidge has received 0.48 inches
Bringing the season total to 1.36 inches now the 3rd driest on record!!!

Aug 23rd - Very Early Morning severe thunderstorm brings a impressive light show and heavy rain and localized flooding.
Pepperridge received 0.52 inches from the storm that brang 1.5+ inches in localized valley locations.
Sky Harbor received daily rainfall record 0.80 incbes a impressive storm nearly valley wide.

Sept 9th - Another uneventful storm for the North Phoenix Valley with only 0.14 inches of rain from morning Thundershowers.
However East Mesa and Apache Junction got hit again with up to 2 1/2 inches of rain and street flooding.
Even Sky Harbor picked up 0.51 inches while Pepperridge finally manage to hit the 2 inch mark for the season.
2012 remains the 7th Driest Monsoon on Record with only 65% of normal precipitation for the Monsoon.

Sept 10th & 11th - The monsoon that has been hitting many areas harder this summer finally delivers
with a series of decent Thunderstorms over the last two days.

PepperRidge received 1.30 inches from the series of storms thanks to Low pressure system effective the state
The bulk of the rain that fell within a little 1hr between 10:40PM and 12midnight on Sept 10th with 0.81 inches
Additional morning showers on the 11th added another 0.22 inches which brings the Monsoon Season total to 3.39 inches
Which is slightly above the normal Monsoon Season total of 3.22 inches

September has been the wettest month of the season with 1.44 inches and the wettest Sept since Sept 2006
Sept 2006 holds the record for wettest Monsoon month with a the record breaking 5.24 inches!!

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THE 2011 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2011 Monsoon Season Officially began as of 7/03/11
Today Jul 5th marked the third day in row with a average dewpoint
reading at 55.0°F or higher, this marks the begin of the season based on older
criteria of dewpoint*, by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 30th ---- 46.2°F	July 3rd*---- 62.2°F
July 1st ---- 43.1°F	July 4th ---- 65.9°F
July 2nd ---- 49.7°F	July 5th ---- 67.1°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 3rd - First Measurable rain of Monsoon 2011 at Pepperridge fell on July 3rd
with 0.25 inches which ended a 83 day rainless streak at Pepperridge. (Apr 11th - July 2nd)
This tied with 2000 for the sixth longest rainless streak at this station.

July 5th - Major Dust Storm hit the Phoenix Area, reducing visibility to near zero
Only a little rain accompanied the storm with 0.13 inches. This that marked the 3rd day in row
with measurable rain at Pepperidge as 0.24 inches fell on the 4th of July with strong winds
The 3 Day total is 0.62 inches meaning this is best start to the season since 2008!!

July 11th - Overnight thundershowers and thunderstorms produce the largest rain event so far.
Moderate to heavy rain totaled 0.48 inches between 3am to 6am bringing July's rainfall to 1.10 inches.
With this storm more rain has fallen so far in Monsoon 2011 than during the entire 2009 Season!!
We are also closing in on 2010's Monsoon Season total of 1.63 inches,
meaning the best start to Monsoon Season since 2008 continues!!

July 24th - Active Evening with Thunderstorms across the valley with some areas receiving up to 1"+ rain
Here at Pepperridge the total rainfall was 0.53 inches with 0.06 inches of that after midnight on 7/25
This active storm with brillent Lightning display brings the season total to 1.63 inches which is a tie
with 2010s season total which means one more storm should make this the wetest Monsoon since 2008!!

July 30th - Brief Thunderstorms affected the valley this evening droping 0.29 inches of rain
at Pepperridge with this rain the Monsoon Season exceed last year's total for the entire season

July 31st - Thunderstorms affected the Valley for the second night in a row with a active evening with lightning
this storm dropped 0.44 inches between 9:30pm and 11:30pm at Pepperridge with periods of brief heavy rain.
With this storm July's rainfall total was 2.36 inches making it the 3rd wettest July on record at Pepperridge

Aug 3rd - A surprise thunderstorm poped up this evening bringing welcoming rain after a excessively hot day.
Tonight's strong storm delivered heavy rain with 0.50 inches between 8:30pm and 8:40pm!!
The temperature fell from 98°F to 77°F during the same period with winds gusting to 32mph!!
Total rainfall from this storm was 0.75 inches which brings the season total to 3.11 inches.

Aug 13th - Overnight Thundershowers brang some brief Heavy Rain totalling 0.24 inches!!
Bringing the August total to 0.99 inches and the season total 3.35 inches - 6th Wettest Overall.

Aug 18th - Another Dust storm "Haboob" rolled accross the valley this evening in it's wake
brief moderately heavy rain fell amounting to only 0.13 inches a disappointing dusty evening!!

Sept 30th - Monsoon 2011 ended with a disappointing final 6 weeks with only 0.09 inches of rain falling.
What started as a decent season fizzled with only 0.08 inches rain falling in September
The season ended with 3.57 inches rain making Monsoon 2011 the 6th wettest overall.

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THE 2010 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2010 Monsoon Season Officially began as of 7/09/10
Today Jul 11th, marked the third day in row with a average dewpoint
reading at 55.0°F or higher, this marks the begin of the season based on older
criteria of dewpoint*, by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 6th ---- 45.8°F	July 9th*---- 58.8°F
July 7th ---- 45.8°F	July 10th ---- 61.4°F
July 8th ---- 52.3°F	July 11th ---- 50.8°F
The Monsoon also officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,as of July 9th The season began on June 15th based on the calendar date criteria!!!

THE 2010 MONSOON SEASON IS ALMOST HERE AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2010 Monsoon Season looks as if it could began on 7/11
Today Jul 10th, looks likely to mark the second day in a row with a average
dewpoint reading at 55.0°F or higher, this is based on the older
criteria by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
July 4th ---- 52.1°F	July 7th ---- 45.8°F
July 5th ---- 46.0°F	July 8th ---- 52.3°F
July 6th ---- 45.8°F	July 9th ---- 58.8°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 22nd - First Measurable rain of Monsoon 2010 at Pepperridge fell on July 22nd
The mere 0.04 inches ended a 120 day rainless streak at Pepperridge. (Mar 24th - July 21st)
This is the second longest rainless streak at this station.

July 29th - First Major storm of Monsoon effects parts of the valley primary in Tempe,
Chandler , South and Central Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria and Sun City.
Winds even damaged a section of the roof at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Here at Pepperridge we received only a glancing blow from this storm.
While up to 1/2 inch to 1 inch of rain fell as close as about 5 miles West and NW of this station
Here results were very disappointing with 0.03 inches bringing the month only to a dismal 0.07 inches
With only 2 days left in the month this could be the driest July on record beating last years 0.13 inches

July 31st - Overnight Thundershowers bring a wet end to July with the first significant rainfall at Pepperridge
0.49 inches fell between 2:30am and 5:00am ending the month with 0.56 inches the 6th driest July on record
However afternoon showers left parts of south central Phoenix with up to 1 1/2 inches of rain this included
a daily record at Sky Harbor with 1.33 inches, so for parts of valley July ended fairly wet with up to 2 1/4 inches.
But at Pepperridge it has been a fairly dry month and Monsoon 2010 has been a NONSOON so far.

Aug 21st & 22nd - The 2nd Major storm of this Monsoon season again effected mainly the East Valley with
rainfall totals of up to 1.50 inches this storm ended up producing decent 0.41 inches here at Pepperridge
This storm moves Monsoon 2010 into 2nd place for the Driest Monsoon on record!!

Aug 24th - Another promising storm goes bust here at Pepperridge with brief heavy rain but only 0.08 inches total!
Futher north of our location they received up to 1/2 inch. However this storm produced some strong winds
These were the strongest so far of this Monsoon with substained winds of 29 mph & peak gust 40 mph at 4:32 pm!!

Aug 28th - A unusually strong front for late summer influences the season as westerlies begin to drive the moisture out.
However a brief Heavy thunderstorm effected the area with 0.19 inches of rain bringing the month to 0.86 inches.

Aug 31st - As August closes Monsoon 2010 remains one of the driest in 3rd place overall for driest Monsoon.
The August rainfall was 0.86 inches which was (0.42 inches) below the normal 1.28 inches.
The month closed out dry as westeries again disrupted the monsoon because of the lingering effects of El Nino.

Sept 30th - Monsoon 2010 closes with little fanfare it was the 3rd driest on record thanks to a dry
September which produced only 0.21 inches with 0.20 inches falling on Sept 22nd from the remanents of
Tropical Storm Georgette. Otherwise the Monsoon was almost non existant in September.

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THE 2009 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2009 Monsoon Season has officially began at Pepper Ridge North Valley on 6/29
Today Jul 1st, marks the third day in a row with a average
dewpoint reading at 55.0°F or higher, this is based on the older
criteria by the newer set date system the season began on June 15th!!

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 26th ---- 55.1°F	June 29th*---- 58.4°F
June 27th ---- 54.5°F	June 30th ---- 61.3°F
June 28th ---- 54.9°F	July 1st ---- 60.9°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

Aug 13th - Finally a storm as "NONsoon 2009" continues. A decent early morning storm
produces 0.32 inches of badly need rain as the dismal 2009 season continues
Unfortunately more unusually dry weather is forecast thru next week

Aug 31st - NONsoon 2009" breathes a little new life at month's end
A evening thunderstorm produces 0.20 inches of badly need rain as the dismal 2009 season continues

Sept 23rd - With only 7 days left in the season it looks like this will be the
Driest Monsoon on record with only 0.69 inches, it has been a disappointing Summer!

Oct 1st - It's Official Monsoon 2009 is officially over and it was the
Driest Monsoon on record with only 0.69 inches the prior driest Monsoon was 2001 with 1.28 inches

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THE 2008 MONSOON SEASON HAS BEGAN AT PEPPERRIDGE!

The 2008 Monsoon Has Began at Pepper Ridge North Valley!!!
Based on the dewpoint criteria which has to have average 55°F or above for 3 days in a row
This criteria was met on July 5th which means the Monsoon began on July 3rd
HOWEVER based on the new Method of preset dates the Monsoon began on June 15th!!

Yesterday July 5th, marked the third day in a row with a Dewpoint average at 55.0°F or above,
which means based on criteria for dewpoint averages*
the Monsoon began three days ago on July 3rd. Last years season began on July 8th.

Pepper Ridge Dewpoint averages over the last 6 days.
June 30th ---- 53.4°F	July 3rd* ---- 58.0°F
July 1st ---- 53.5°F	July 4th ---- 60.9°F
July 2nd ---- 53.3°F	July 5th ---- 59.9°F
The Monsoon has officially started at Phoenix Sky Harbor,on June 15th

July 11th - 1st Decent Storm of Monsoon 2008 produces 1.07 inches
On July 11th and 12th with a peak Wind Gust of 25 Mph at 8pm on July 11th.

Aug 7th - 2nd Decent Storm of Monsoon 2008 produces 0.85 inches
On Aug 7th with a peak Wind Gust of 37 Mph at 9pm.

Aug 25th - 3rd Decent Storm of Monsoon 2008 produces 0.99 inches
On Aug 25th with a peak Wind Gust of 26 Mph at 7:55pm.

Aug 28th - 4th Decent Storm of Monsoon 2008 produces 0.21 inches and a peak Wind Gust of 37 Mph at 9pm.

The Brunt of the storm hit S.E. of this location in Tempe/Mesa and Central Phoenix.
A 75 Mph Gust was recorded at Sky Harbor Severe ThunderStorm details.

Daily lightning totals were alltime records with 94,333 lightning Flashes or Strikes,
including 553 nearby strokes The total stroke count from those flashes was 231,460 strokes

The storm lasted into the Early hours of 8/29
and produced an additional 0.17 inches and Pea Size Hail Shortly after midnight

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The complete summary of the 2007 Monsoon Season can be found at
the following link: 2007 Monsoon Summary Page

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Monsoon Rainfall for Pepper Ridge # 1 North Valley Phoenix - 1997 - 2008

YEAR		1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	MAX MNTH	MIN MNTH	MNTLY AVG
JUN		0.00	0.00	0.07*	0.96	0.01	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.02	0.05*	0.00	0.00	0.96	0.00	0.11*
JUL		0.34	0.95	4.03	0.13	0.33	1.92	0.44	0.47	2.62	1.12	1.63	1.32	4.03	0.13	1.25
AUG		1.33	0.48	1.30	2.65	0.94	0.08	1.84	0.91	2.15	1.89	0.07	2.85	2.85	0.07	1.30
SEP		0.27	0.60	0.77	0.01	0.00	1.14	0.29	0.85	0.32	5.24	0.02	0.02	5.24	0.00	0.47
Min Month		0.00	0.00	0.07	0.01	0.01	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.02	0.05	0.00	0.00	0.96	0.00	1.28 season
Max Month		1.33	0.95	4.03	2.65	0.94	1.92	1.84	0.91	2.62	5.24	1.63	2.85	5.24	0.13	8.25 season
Avg/Totals		1.94	2.03	6.10	3.75	1.28	3.14	2.57	2.23	5.11	8.25	1.72	4.19	----	----	3.13

Monsoon Normals listed above are based on the years 1997- 2005

*0.07 in 1999 & 0.05 in 2006 Fell Before Jun 15 and is not included in Monsoon Totals
Monsoon Rainfall is statistically measured from June 15th thru Sept 30th!!

Monsoon Rainfall for Pepper Ridge # 1 North Valley Phoenix - 2009 - 2020

YEAR		2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	MAX MNTH	MIN MNTH	MNTLY AVG
JUN		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.14*	0.16*	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.96	0.00	0.08
JUL		0.13	0.56	2.36	0.76	0.87	1.03	0.22	0.05	2.01	2.55	0.45	0.35	4.03	0.05	1.14
AUG		0.54	0.86	1.13	1.19	0.20	4.33	0.18	2.55	0.96	1.20	0.58	0.19	4.33	0.07	1.31
SEP		0.02	0.21	0.08	1.47	2.22	3.82	0.61	0.59	T	0.24	1.45	0.00	5.24	0.00	0.88
Min Month		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.14	0.05	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.96	0.02	0.54 season
Max Month		0.54	0.86	2.36	1.47	2.22	4.33	0.61	2.55	2.01	2.55	1.45	0.35	5.24	0.13	9.18 season
Avg/Totals		0.69	1.63	3.57	3.42	3.29	9.18	1.15	3.35	2.97	3.99	2.48	0.54	----	----	3.41

Monsoon Normals are based on the years 1997- 2019

*0.07 in 1999 , 0.05 in 2006, 0.37 2015 & 0.05 2016 Fell Before Jun 15 and is not included in Monsoon Totals
Monsoon Rainfall is statistically measured from June 15th thru Sept 30th!!

Monsoon Rainfall for Pepper Ridge # 1 North Valley Phoenix - 2013 - 2024

YEAR		2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	MAX MNTH	MIN MNTH	MNTLY AVG
JUN		0.00	0.00	0.14*	0.16*	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.10	T	0.00	0.06	0.96	0.00	0.06
JUL		0.87	1.03	0.22	0.05	2.01	2.55	0.45	0.35	3.61	1.77	T	1.19	4.03	T	1.19
AUG		0.20	4.33	0.18	2.55	0.96	1.20	0.58	0.19	4.05	1.94	0.48	0.45	4.33	0.07	1.37
SEP		2.22	3.82	0.61	0.59	T	0.24	1.45	0.00	0.71	1.28	0.54	0.06	5.24	0.00	0.84
Min Month		0.00	0.00	0.14	0.05	0.00	T	0.00	0.00	0.10	T	0.00	0.06	0.96	0.02	0.54 season
Max Month		2.22	4.33	0.61	2.55	2.01	2.55	1.45	0.35	4.05	1.94	0.54	1.19	5.24	0.13	9.18 season
Avg/Totals		3.29	9.18	1.15	3.35	2.97	3.99	2.48	0.54	8.47	4.99	1.02	1.76	----	----	3.46

Monsoon Normals are based on the years 1997- 2023

*0.07 in 1999 , 0.05 in 2006, 0.37 2015 & 0.05 2016 Fell Before Jun 15 and is not included in Monsoon Totals

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TOP 10 - WETEST MONSOONS:
RANK:	YEAR:	PRECIP:
=====	=====	=====
1.	2014	9.18
2.	2021	8.47
3.	2006	8.25
4.	1999	6.10
5.	2005	5.11
6.	2022	4.99
7.	2008	4.19
8.	2018	3.99
9.	2000	3.75
10.	2011	3.57

TOP 10 - DRIEST MONSOONS:
RANK:	YEAR:	PRECIP:
=====	=====	=====
1.	2020	0.54
2.	2009	0.69
3.	2023	1.02
4.	2015	1.15
5.	2001	1.28
6.	2010	1.63
7.	2007	1.72
8.	2024	1.76*
9.	1997	1.94
10.	1998	2.03

*Todate as of 09/30/24

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2006 Monsoon Summary ·  2005 Monsoon Summary

Page last updated on June 24th, 2024

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Pepper Ridge North Valley Random Weather Facts WIND CHILL Wind Chill - The wind chill temperature is what the temperature "feels like" to people and animals during cold weather. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Once temperatures drop below 10 °F and the wind is gusting, conditions are ripe for cold-related illnesses. Below -5 °F, any wind is a major factor in frostbite and hypothermia.