PHOENIX — With Monsoon 2024 in the rear-view mirror, 12News Meteorologist Lauren Rainson looks back on the season and explains why this monsoon was hotter and drier than normal.
From June 15 through Sept. 30, rainfall accumulation was what we typically see. The most rain fell in the higher terrain areas, and the lower deserts received the least. When we look at this season's precipitation compared to normal, Arizona was all over the place. Much of the lower deserts, including the Phoenix area, were on the low side. Some areas on the Colorado Plateau and Mohave County weren't too shabby.
While Phoenix was just shy of three-quarters of one inch, Globe recorded more than five inches of rain. Just over six inches of rain fell at Flagstaff Airport during Monsoon 2024. Most locations in the high-country, rim country, White Mountains, and Navajo Nation saw below-normal rainfall.
And of course, there's the heat. For much of Arizona, June through August was the hottest on record. Flagstaff also shattered their previous summer records.
So why was it so hot? One factor meteorologists look at is the upper-air patterns. This summer, the ridge of high pressure was stronger than normal. It was also positioned more west. This setup ultimately did not help transport moisture in from the south. When there's a lack of clouds and rain-cooled air, temperatures will soar. That's exactly what happened from June through August this year.
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