Arizona's dry winter might lead to a more active monsoon this year.
Isaac Smith with the National Weather Service in Phoenix said the state may receive 33% to 50% above average rainfall this summer.
“When we see this dry, La Niña winter that typically favors above normal precipitation for the monsoon season following that. It's not a guarantee, but it increases the odds," Smith said.
The monsoon forecast applies to most of the state. But Smith said Yuma is an outlier and could see less precipitation than normal.
Metro Phoenix forecast
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 102 and a low around 75.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 101 and a low around 76.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 105 and a low around 79.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 100 and a low around 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the morning. A 30% chance of evening showers.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 94 and a low around 75. A 40% chance of showers.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 96 and a low around 74.
— National Weather Service
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The victim was an older adult male, but officials have not released any additional details about the case. Temperatures this spring have been much hotter than average. -
According to National Weather Service data, temperatures have averaged about 8.3 degrees above-normal so far this month – the third-hottest start to April on record in Phoenix. -
Arizona labor groups are calling for state regulations to require specific protections from heat in workplaces. But actions from the state have so far fallen short of what workers have called for. -
As the Industrial Commission of Arizona considers workplace heat safety recommendations, some employers say they would welcome new heat rules, but others worry about overregulation. -
Arizona's outdoor workers endure extreme temperatures. But Arizona does not have any specific state regulations requiring their employers to provide them with water, shade or breaks from the heat.
