News Summary
This weekend, Phoenix will see unseasonably cool temperatures, with highs in the low 80s. Following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Priscilla, flood watches are in effect for the area. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding due to saturated soils. The weather is expected to improve next week with drier air moving in. Stay informed with local weather updates.
Phoenix is set to experience unseasonably cool temperatures this weekend, with highs much lower than the October average of 90 degrees. Instead, temperatures are projected to reach the low 80s, significantly below normal for this time of year. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 50s by Friday morning, providing a refreshing change for residents.
On Friday, the weather will be pleasant, with temperatures warming a couple of degrees from Thursday. Residents will see gradual increases over the weekend, with highs expected to reach the mid to upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows will stabilize in the low 60s. Light winds and clear skies are anticipated, making for an overall enjoyable weekend.
The cool weather comes amid flooding concerns across parts of south-central Arizona following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Priscilla on Sunday, October 12. Phoenix registered 1.97 inches of rain that day, marking it as the fourth-wettest October day recorded in the city. In response to these weather conditions, a flood watch remains in effect through late Monday, as scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the region.
The highest risk of flooding is projected for areas north and east of Phoenix. Forecasts suggest that the city might see an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain on Monday while the risk of flash flooding increases, particularly during the early afternoon and evening hours. The saturated soils from previous rainfalls mean that even moderate rainfall can result in quick flooding. Potential weather threats include localized heavy downpours, isolated strong wind gusts, and small hail.
The National Weather Service has advised that flash floods can develop rapidly, even in regions not currently experiencing rainfall. A flood watch indicates that conditions are favorable for flooding, but does not confirm its occurrence. Conversely, a flood warning is issued when flooding is either imminent or already occurring. Residents are encouraged to seek higher ground during flood warnings and to follow guidance to steer clear of dangerous flooded areas.
Looking ahead, the Phoenix area is expected to maintain below-normal temperatures throughout the upcoming week. However, drier air is predicted to arrive by Tuesday, October 14. Despite the heavy rainfall over the past week, it is worth noting that Phoenix has experienced a notably dry summer, with the overall monsoon season rainfall significantly below average. The city collected only 0.74 inches of rain during the monsoon, marking it as the seventh driest monsoon on record. This is a decrease from the previous 30-year average of 2.71 inches, which now stands at 2.43 inches.
The hottest recorded monsoon season occurred in 2024, with an exceptional average temperature of 98.3 degrees. Over the past 25 years, all of the top 25 hottest monsoon seasons have taken place during this time span, leading to increasingly concerning weather patterns and climate impacts across the region.
For those wishing to stay up-to-date with the latest weather developments, residents can access local weather updates via the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page or download the free FOX 10 Weather app, available on both Apple iOS and Android devices.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 10 Phoenix Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- AZCentral: Rain and Flood Risk
- Google Search: Phoenix weather
- KTAR: Halloween Weather Forecast for Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix, Arizona
- ABC15: Unprecedented Heat Wave Forecast
- Google News: Arizona flooding
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.
