News Summary
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms leading to significant flooding and hail on September 26. Heavy rainfall of 1.64 inches marked the day as the heaviest since 2018, impacting travel and prompting safety warnings. Flood watches were issued as storm chances persisted, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the monsoon season nears its end.
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms on September 26, leading to significant flooding and hail throughout the metro area. A strong low-pressure system off the Southern California coast contributed to the atmospheric instability that caused the storms. Authorities reported that these intense thunderstorms began around 10:30 a.m., predominantly impacting northwest and downtown Phoenix, with the most considerable effects felt near Interstate 17 and various communities in the West Valley.
The National Weather Service recorded a remarkable 1.11 inches of rain at Sky Harbor International Airport by 1:55 p.m. on that day. This rainfall was significant, as Sky Harbor had previously recorded only 0.91 inches since the start of the monsoon season on June 15. By the end of the day, the total seasonal rainfall at Sky Harbor had reached 2.02 inches, nearly approaching the average of 2.43 inches, with just a few days remaining in the season that ends on September 30.
Rainfall amounts varied across the region, with neighborhoods including Central Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, and Tempe each receiving over an inch. In some locations like Fountain Hills, gauges recorded over 2 inches of rain, while certain areas in the far East Valley saw less than a tenth of an inch. Reports also indicated large hail with diameters ranging between 1 and 1.5 inches during the storm.
By approximately 3:45 p.m., the heavy rain subsided, but a flood watch remained in effect until 11 p.m.. Consequently, an uptick in rainfall and storm chances is expected to continue into the weekend. High temperatures in Phoenix were predicted to remain cooler than usual, hovering around 90 degrees.
Official rainfall tallies showed that a total of 1.64 inches fell at Sky Harbor on the same day, marking it as the heaviest single-day rainfall since 2018. This accumulation represented approximately two-thirds of the total monsoon rainfall for the season, bringing it to 2.55 inches, which surpasses the average monsoon total of 2.43 inches.
The severe weather played a significant role in disrupting travel across the region. Many flights were delayed or diverted due to the adverse conditions, with ground stops being implemented at Phoenix Sky Harbor, which lasted until 4:30 p.m., affecting numerous flights. Local roadway conditions were reported as slick, prompting safety warnings from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
In light of the severe weather, Arizona State University canceled Sparky’s Tailgate, although the Sun Devils’ game against TCU was still scheduled to proceed. Additionally, a flood watch was issued for southeastern Arizona, including the Tucson area, until 8 p.m. the next day. Forecasts suggest a continued possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms in the days following these storms.
This extreme weather event highlights the significance of atmospheric conditions and their potential impact on local communities, emphasizing the importance of preparedness as the monsoon season draws to a close.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Weather Threatens High School Football Games in Phoenix
Phoenix Prepares for Late-Season Monsoon Storms
Massive Haboob Causes Disruption in Phoenix
Phoenix Suffers from Haboob and Monsoon Aftermath
Arizona Faces Severe Heatwave with Rising Fatalities
Additional Resources
- ABC15 Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- KTAR Monsoon Season Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- AZCentral Rain Chances in Phoenix
- Google News: Phoenix Weather
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.
