News Summary
Phoenix has experienced an unprecedented monsoon season in 2025, with total rainfall reaching 2.76 inches, exceeding the seasonal average. The late September storms resulted in four fatalities due to flooding, revealing significant challenges within local drainage systems. This year’s monsoon was characterized by an unusual lack of precipitation earlier in the season, followed by a sudden influx of moisture from a low-pressure system. Meanwhile, other regions in Arizona faced below-average rainfall, emphasizing the erratic nature of weather patterns and ongoing water management issues in the state.
Phoenix, Arizona – Monsoon 2025 Experiences Record Rainfall and Devastating Flooding
In a stunning turn of events, Phoenix’s monsoon season for 2025 concluded with a record total rainfall, significantly impacting the region. After a summer laden with rainless weather, the city finally saw prominent rainfalls, especially in late September, leading to a total of 2.76 inches of rain—surpassing the seasonal average of 2.43 inches. However, this sudden influx of moisture also brought about tragic consequences, with four reported fatalities attributed to flooding during the intense storm that hit from September 25 to 26.
The monsoon season in Phoenix officially runs from June 15 to September 30, but 2025 presented unusual weather patterns. Initially, the summer began with dry spells, notably in June when no measurable rainfall was recorded. July concluded with only 0.16 inches, followed by a modest 0.34 inches in August. This extended dry phase culminated in an August haboob, which disrupted activities across the area, marking the largest dust storm since 2011.
The dramatic weather shift in September was primarily driven by a powerful low-pressure system which contributed nearly 2 inches of rain from September 25 to 26 alone, boosting the overall totals significantly. Areas within Maricopa County received even greater amounts of rain. The sudden burst of intense precipitation highlighted the challenges of local drainage systems, as short bursts of rain on dry soils can quickly result in flooding.
Despite the success of the monsoon in Phoenix, several regions in Arizona, including Flagstaff and Tucson, reported below-average rainfall during the same period. Meteorologists described the season as “a tale of two monsoon seasons,” noting the erratic nature of the weather this year, with lengthy dry periods interspersed with sudden and severe storms.
Tropical moisture from the eastern Pacific played a crucial role in reviving the monsoon by late August. This unexpected moisture influx came just in time to rejuvenate a landscape facing ongoing drought conditions. However, while the late rains improved soil moisture levels, they did little to relieve Arizona’s long-standing water supply challenges.
The flooding resulting from the September storms led to tragedies in Globe-Miami, where three fatalities occurred, and one in Scottsdale. Timing of the rainfall was particularly problematic; State officials have highlighted that intense rainfall events after dry spells can exceed drainage systems’ capacity, leading to hazardous flooding situations.
The summer of 2025 not only witnessed an unusual lack of precipitation but also extended wildfire activity, attributed to the dry conditions earlier in the season. The weather’s erratic nature serves as a reminder of how dangerous monsoon conditions can be, especially in regions accustomed to predictable weather patterns.
As meteorologists continue to monitor climatic shifts, including the influences of La Niña, concerns loom regarding the potential impacts on upcoming winter weather and rainfall levels. Although the 2025 monsoon season is marked as one of the wetter years since 2021, it underscores the complexities of water management in Arizona, where drought continues to be an ongoing concern despite seasonal fluctuations.
In summary, Phoenix’s monsoon 2025 has demonstrated both the vitality and destructiveness of these critical weather patterns. The records reflect a unique blend of drought conditions and sudden rainfall, showcasing the unpredictable nature of monsoon seasons in Arizona and the need for continued vigilance and preparedness among residents and local authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Arizona Central
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- Phoenix New Times
- Google Search: Arizona monsoon 2025
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Arizona monsoon impact
- KTAR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Monsoon
- AZ Family
- Google News: Arizona weather 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
