It's been an extremely warm and dry winter, but the Phoenix area is in for a cooldown and maybe even some rain this week.
Temperatures in Phoenix so far in February have averaged about 8 degrees above normal, but at or below-normal temperatures are expected for the rest of this week. The National Weather Service forecasts high temperatures will drop to the 60s or low 70s starting Tuesday.
There is a slight chance of rain starting Wednesday, but the best chance for precipitation will be on Friday.
Since late August, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has had only 0.01 inch of rain. National Weather Service data shows the Phoenix area would typically accumulate almost 4 inches of rain in that timeframe. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports about 92% of Maricopa County is now in an extreme drought.
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A record-strong El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean could bring much-needed moisture to Arizona in the months ahead, but a wet winter is not guaranteed. -
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