Phoenix Records 12th Halloween Rainfall on Record
Rain on Saturday marked the first measurable Halloween rainfall in Phoenix since 1987, amid flooding and power outages across the metro area.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Rain fell in Phoenix on Halloween for the 12th time in recorded history, with the official Phoenix Sky Harbor reading at 0.92 inches since Friday. Flooding and power outages affected residents throughout the weekend.
Why it matters
The rainfall adds to a notably wet October in Phoenix, one of the wettest Octobers on record for the city. Flooding has disrupted daily life for residents across the Phoenix area.
The official airport reading recorded 0.92 inches since Friday, while Scottsdale neighborhoods measured over 4 inches. Rainfall totals varied sharply across the metro area, and the full extent of flood damage has not been reported.
The players
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is the federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and observation, which recorded the Halloween rainfall totals in Phoenix.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the major airport serving the Phoenix metro area and hosts the official rainfall measurement station for the city.
The details
Certain roads became impassable as heavy rain caused flooding, and authorities issued emergency evacuation orders for several northern counties. The National Weather Service recorded the Halloween rainfall, with totals higher in many parts of the metro area than at the official airport station.
Timeline
1957: Phoenix recorded 1.05 inches of Halloween rain, the only Halloween rainfall above one inch.
1987: Phoenix recorded 0.13 inches of Halloween rain, the previous measurable occurrence.
Friday, October 30, 2026: Rainfall began in Phoenix, measuring 0.92 inches at the airport.
Saturday, October 31, 2026: Halloween rain fell in Phoenix, the 12th time on record.
Seasonal Patterns
The 0.92-inch official reading at Phoenix Sky Harbor fits into a documented pattern of October rainfall records that the National Weather Service tracks at the airport station. Halloween rain has been rare in Phoenix, with only 12 recorded occurrences compared with the 1987 event that recorded just 0.13 inches.
Drivers should avoid roads that have become impassable due to flooding, and residents in northern counties should follow any emergency evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Those affected by power outages should monitor official utility updates for restoration information.
The takeaway
Rainfall totals in Phoenix can vary widely within a single metro area, so official airport readings may understate conditions in nearby neighborhoods. Residents should check local conditions and alerts before traveling during periods of heavy rain.
Further reading
For more on storms and flooding across the region, explore Severe Weather coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTAR.
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