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Rare June Rainstorm Floods Phoenix, Moves North Ahead of Monsoon Season

Meteorologists attribute the unusual June rain to a remnant tropical system rather than shifting monsoon winds.

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Overview

  • Most of metro Phoenix recorded at least 0.25 inches of rain on June 1, with Phoenix Sky Harbor seeing 0.30 inches—a record for that date.
  • The storm knocked out power for more than 4,000 Arizona Public Service customers and led to temporary closures on the Loop 101 due to standing water.
  • Rainfall totals across Maricopa County varied from 1.46 inches at Skunk Creek to a peak of 2.36 inches in El Mirage, according to the Flood Control District.
  • Forecasters expect the weather system to push into northern Arizona, bringing additional showers and cooler temperatures to areas such as the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff.
  • Arizona’s official monsoon season begins June 15, when Phoenix faces a 43% chance of above-average rainfall, but experts say its onset and strength remain difficult to predict.