2014 was the warmest year on record in Phoenix. The average temperature last year was 77.1 degrees.
Last year’s average broke the previous record of 76.9 degrees which was set in 1989.
The state average has not been calculated yet, but the National Weather Service reports that number will likely be record breaking too.
Mark O’Malley, a meteorologist with the agency, says warmer conditions in Arizona will impact snow pack and reservoir levels, worsening the effects of a nearly 10 year drought.
"Conceptually if you have warmer temperatures you are going to melt the snow quicker you’re not going to hold it around as long," O'Malley said. "And with the warmer temperatures during the summer you’re going to decrease the amount of moisture in the soil."
O’Malley said the first half of 2014 set the stage for the increase. January through June were all several degrees above normal.
