First Rain in Months Falls on Chilliest Day Since April

A meteorological anomaly graced Maricopa this morning, as the city recorded a mere 0.02 inches of rain after nearly 50 consecutive days of oppressive heat. This small amount, however, was sufficient to lower temperatures into the 70s today.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this relief will be short-lived, with a return to the 90s expected by Tuesday. Whether this marks the final breath of summer remains uncertain.

“This has been a particularly hot season,” NWS meteorologist Matt Salerno noted, emphasizing that no significant rainfall is anticipated in the near future.

The morning’s sky featured ominous clouds and gentle breezes, culminating in a brief, light drizzle that quickly evaporated off the streets of Maricopa. In contrast, the Hidden Valley area experienced a brief burst of heavy rain around 7 a.m., creating puddles on the ground.

Salerno remarked, “We haven’t seen temperatures like these since mid-April,” highlighting that the region has been enduring daily highs well into the 90s and 100s.

Maricopa is enduring a record-setting summer, with exceptionally high temperatures persisting into early October. The average annual precipitation in this city typically hovers around 8 inches.

According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, central Arizona, extending to the southern border, is expected to experience below-normal precipitation levels through February.

As night falls, Maricopa can expect increasing winds, potentially reaching speeds of 20 miles per hour, as outlined in the latest forecasts.