Phoenix Monsoon Rainfall Surpassed Seasonal Norms
A late-season storm surge pushed total rainfall to 2.48 inches, exceeding the city's seasonal expectation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Current Conditions
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Phoenix surpassed its normal seasonal monsoon rainfall total following a late-season surge of thunderstorms. The city officially recorded 2.48 inches of rain, moving past the seasonal average of 2.43 inches.
Why it matters
The late-season weather events provided a significant moisture boost to the region, officially closing the monsoon season above historical averages after a relatively dry period earlier in the year.
Official monitoring at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded 0.47 inches of rain Tuesday morning, contributing to the seasonal total. Meanwhile, the Anthem area experienced heavier activity, receiving over 1.3 inches of rain on Tuesday.
The players
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
This facility serves as the official weather observation station for the city of Phoenix.
The details
The monsoon season, which officially began on June 15, saw an accumulation of 0.17 inches on Monday followed by intense storm activity on Tuesday morning. This recent event marked the wettest day in nearly one year at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which last saw a higher daily total on October 12, 2025.
Timeline
June 15, 2026: Monsoon season began in Phoenix.
September 28, 2026: Phoenix received 0.17 inches of rain.
September 29, 2026: The city experienced its wettest day in nearly a year.
September 30, 2026: The monsoon season reached its official conclusion.
Seasonal Patterns
This recent storm activity mirrors historical volatility in desert precipitation, though it follows a long gap in heavy rain events since October 12, 2025. The shift confirms that even late-season surges are capable of pushing seasonal totals above the long-term averages for the Phoenix area.
Residents should prepare for a transition to warmer weather as temperatures are expected to reach the lower to mid-90s by the weekend. While the rain has concluded, travelers should monitor the forecast for any lingering impacts on regional road conditions.
The takeaway
The late-season monsoon surge underscores how quickly seasonal rainfall deficits can be erased in the desert climate. Residents should remain mindful of temperature fluctuations as the region pivots toward drier autumn weather.
Further reading
For more information on regional weather trends, visit the Current Conditions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTAR.
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