News Summary
Phoenix faced exceptional rainfall for the second consecutive day, breaking historical records. Total rain at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reached 1.96 inches, impacting various locations around the Valley. Flood conditions prompted evacuation orders in Globe and Miami, while further rainfall was anticipated. The weather disruptions emphasize the increasing intensity of storms linking to changing climatic trends. Authorities continue to monitor and warn of potential flooding risks as communities manage the aftermath of the heavy rains.
Phoenix
Phoenix experienced record-breaking rainfall for the second consecutive day on October 12, 2025, significantly impacting the region. The National Weather Service reported that by 10 a.m. on that day, 1.69 inches of rain had fallen at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport since midnight, unofficially surpassing the previous daily record of 0.32 inches set in 1957.
At its peak, the rainfall reached 1.96 inches. Various locations in the Valley also saw substantial rainfall; for instance, certain areas of Tempe recorded over an inch of rain between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. The Maricopa County Rainfall Interactive Data Map indicated that Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive each received 1.54 inches. Broadway Road and Loop 101 collected 1.06 inches during the same time period, while parts of Mesa reported more than an inch of rain.
Additional rainfall measurements included 1.10 inches at US 60 and Greenfield Road. However, Val Vista Drive faced freeway closures due to flooding. Chandler and Gilbert recorded rain totals ranging from 0.5 to 0.83 inches, with most areas in Scottsdale experiencing around 0.5 inches or more. In contrast, the majority of the West Valley and north Phoenix saw less than 0.2 inches, with Glendale, Litchfield Park, and Estrella Village receiving only 0.04 inches. El Mirage and Peoria were notable exceptions as the only West Valley cities to surpass an inch of rain.
This recent storm activity followed a previous record-setting rainfall of 0.70 inches on October 11, breaking a record set in 1928, which set the stage for an unusually wet October. As of October 12, Sky Harbor Airport had recorded 3.03 inches of rain, marking it as the fourth wettest October on record, significantly exceeding the average rainfall for the month of 0.56 inches.
Evacuation Orders and Flood Watch
Alongside the record rainfall, communities in Globe and Miami were put on ‘SET’ evacuation status due to the continuing heavy rainfall on October 12. The Gila County Division of Emergency Management issued evacuation orders at 10:15 p.m. the same day, following ‘GO’ evacuation orders for these cities that were issued an hour earlier by Globe Mayor Al Gameros.
The weather pattern was influenced by the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond. While conditions were expected to dry out in the Valley by Sunday afternoon, forecasters warned of potential for additional rainfall overnight.
A flood watch was put in effect until at least Monday evening for cities including Phoenix, as concerns remained regarding the wet weather. The National Weather Service cautioned about the ongoing flood threats due to soil saturation, which increases the risk of dangerous runoff across Arizona.
Background on Rain Patterns
The rainfall events seen in Phoenix are part of a larger trend influenced by changing climatic patterns, leading to more frequent and intense rainstorms throughout seasons. The weather service continues to monitor conditions as Phoenix and surrounding areas recover from these significant weather disturbances. The remarkable rainfall totals for October further emphasize the need for residents and authorities to stay vigilant and prepared for potential flooding risks, particularly in already saturated areas.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News
- AZ Family
- Weather.com
- The New York Times
- 12 News
- Wikipedia: Phoenix
- Google Search: Phoenix weather patterns
- Google Scholar: Record rainfall in Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rainfall
- Google News: Phoenix flood watch
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.
