National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Tucson monthly climate reports for 2024

January 2024 climate report for Tucson
40th warmest and 16th wettest on record
Two daily rainfall records set. First time in January since 1993.
 

The January outlook from the Climate Prediction Center, issued on December 31st, for Tucson favored below-normal monthly mean temperatures (59% below vs. 8% above) and above-normal total precipitation amounts (46% above vs. 21% below).

 

The new year started on an unsettled note with a pair of weather systems moving across the area. The first system brought scattered very light showers to the area mainly on the 3rd while the second, much stronger, system brought widespread light rain, gusty winds, and some light snow to isolated areas of the metro on the 7th. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph were recorded before a cold front passage with temperatures dropping up to 10 degrees in 10 minutes with frontal passage.

 

The colder air mass led to the first widespread freezing event for the 2023-24 Winter season for the metro area with lows on the 9th in the 20s, coldest near washes as those areas dropped down into the low 20s. Chilly morning lows continued through the 13th. High temperatures from the 4th through the 12th were in the 50s. The exception was upper 40s on the 8th and lower 60s on the 10th.

 

An odd occurrence happened on the 12th (High 58°, Low 29°) and 13th (High 66°, Low 33°) when the high temperature was exactly double the low temperature both days. This daily double has only happened 23 times since 1894 with the most recent occurring in January 2016 (29th & 30th).

 

A gradual warming trend then took place over the next week with highs warming into the 70s from the 17th through 20th while lows moderated into the 40s on those days.

 

A significant pattern change brought widespread rain and mountain snow to the area over three days from the 21st through the 23rd. Three-day rainfall totals across the metro area ranged from 0.60" to 2" with localized spots up to 2.75". The airport set two daily rainfall records for this event. On the 21st, 0.81" was recorded which shattered the previous daily record of 0.40" from 1933 and 1982. Two days later, on the 23rd, 0.60" was recorded, which broke the previous daily record of 0.56" from 1985. This is the first January to set two daily rainfall records since 1993 when three were set.

 

Daily high temperatures from the 21st through the 26th were mostly in the 60s before high pressure aloft settled in during the last five days of the month, which resulted in daily highs mostly in the mid to upper 70s. The exception was on the 29th when the first 80° high temperature of 2024 was recorded. The climatological first date is February 1st.

 

The monthly average temperature of 52.8° is 0.8° below normal and ranks as the 40th warmest January on record, tied with 1943 & 1983. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 80° on the 29th to a low of 28° on the 9th.

 

The December 31st precipitation outlook for Tucson from the Climate Prediction Center favored above normal precipitation (40-50%) for January. Rainfall amounts, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged from 1.00" to 2.50" with localized spots up to 3.50". The Tucson International Airport, the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 1.77" which is just under an inch above normal and ranks as the 16th wettest January on record. The first four months of the hydrological water year, October through January, has been wetter than normal with 3.71" being recorded at the airport, and ranks as the 44th wettest first four months of the water year.

 
January 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
65.2°
66.5°
- 1.3°
Average low temperature
40.5°
40.8°
- 0.3°
Average temperature
52.8°
53.6°
- 0.8°
Rainfall
1.77"
0.84"
+ 0.93"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Jan)
3.71"
3.03"
+ 0.68"
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 
Winter 2023-2024 (so far)

One month remains in climatological Winter and so far it has been warmer (54.8° or +1.4°) and wetter (3.24" or +1.60") than normal. The historical Winter ranking with one month left stands at 32nd wettest.

 

Looking ahead into February

A strong El Niño will continue in the equatorial Pacific through the end of Winter. The February outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors near normal monthly mean temperatures (36% near vs 33% for both above & below) and above-normal total precipitation amounts (52% above vs. 15% below).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 69.2°
Normal monthly low temperature 43.2°
Normal monthly temperature 56.2°
Record high temperature 92° on February 14, 1957
Record low temperature 17° on February 7, 1899
Warmest February (avg.) 62.1° in 2015
Coldest February (avg.) 45.3° in 1903
Normal rainfall 0.84"
Wettest February day 1.26" on February 7, 1966
Wettest February 4.15" in 1905
Driest February 0.00" in 1898, 1972, 1984 & 2021
Snowiest February 4.9" in 1903
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 10 hours 39 minutes 9 seconds on the 1st to 11 hours 29 minutes 31 seconds on the 29th, again of 50 minutes 22 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

January 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

January 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

January 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February climate data across southeast Arizona

February climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona.

 

February 2024 climate report for Tucson
26th warmest and 24th wettest on record
Highest February peak wind gust in the past 50 years
2nd warmest February daily low temperature
First 85°+ high of 2024 occurs on 25th
 

The February outlook for Tucson, issued on January 31st by the Climate Prediction Center, favored above-normal total precipitation amounts (52% above vs 15% below) and favored near-normal monthly mean temperatures (36% near Vs 33% for both above and below). The month was split into two periods, a wet first 11 days then a mostly dry and warm remainder of the month.

 

The first 11 days of the month were active as several winter storms moved across the area with rainfall occurring across the metro areas every day except for on the 4th and 5th. A thunderstorm on the 2nd produced brief heavy rain and pea-sized hail. On the 6th, strong gusty winds occurred in advance of another winter storm. The airport recorded a peak gust of 59 mph which is the highest February gust in the past 50 years. The coldest storm of the month impacted the area on the 10th with widespread valley rain and a little snow, mainly across the southeast portion of the metro area including Vail. The high temperature on the 10th of 48° was the 4th coldest February high this century.

 
A dry and warmer pattern settled in from the 12th through the 20th with the 2nd 80°+ high of 2024 occurring on the 20th. After a brief cool down from the 21st through the 24th, temperatures warmed up once again with the 25th being the warmest day of the month. The low temperature on the 26th, thanks to cloud cover, only cooled down to 61°. This ranks as the 2nd warmest February low temperature on record, behind the monthly record of 63° which occurred on February 1, 1929.
 
A pair of weaker weather systems brought light rainfall to the area on the 26th and 28th with a few thunderstorms rolling through the area on the 28th.
 

The monthly average temperature of 57.1° is 0.9° above normal and ranks as the 26th warmest February on record. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 86° on the 25th to a low of 35° on the 12th. This is the 26th February on record in which the official site didn't record a low temperature of 32° or colder. The last February that this occurred was in 2021. The high & low temperatures of 76° & 61° on the 26th have occurred together only once before since 1894, on May 3, 1915.

 
Precipitation across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged from 1.00" to 2.00" with localized spots up to 3.00". The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 1.39" which is a little over a half an inch above normal and ranks as the 24th wettest February on record.
 
February 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
69.5°
69.2°
+ 0.3°
Average low temperature
44.7°
43.2°
+ 1.5°
Average temperature
57.1°
56.2°
+ 0.9°
Rainfall
1.39"
0.84"
+ 0.55"
# of days with lows 32° or colder
0
2
- 2
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Winter 2023-2024 climate report for Tucson
11th warmest and 15th wettest on record
 

A strong El Niño was forecast to peak during the 2023-24 Winter season. El Niño typically brings an increased chance of wetter than normal conditions during the Winter months, December, January, and February. However, there was no model consensus to swing the chances of a wetter-than-normal winter for Tucson. Based on that assessment the temperature and precipitation outlook for Tucson, issued on November 17th by the Climate Prediction Center, called for the following:

  • a 33% chance that the seasonal mean temperatures will be below normal
  • a 33% chance that the seasonal mean temperatures will be above normal
  • a 33% chance that the seasonal total precipitation will be below normal
  • a 33% chance that the seasonal total precipitation will be above normal
 

There were several active periods this past winter that helped shape the season. Those active periods were 1) several days before Christmas; 2) mid-January; and 3) the first 10 days of February. The numerous winter storms that moved across the area brought much-needed precipitation in the form of valley rain and mountain snow. This helped improve drought conditions across the metro area from severe classification at the start of winter to moderate classification at the end of winter.

 

The seasonal average temperature of 55.5° is 1.2° above normal and goes into the record books as the 11th warmest on record, tied with Winter 1995-96 & Winter 2008-09. Temperature extremes ranged from a high of 86° on February 25th to a low of 28° on January 9th. Four days recorded freezing low temperatures at the airport, which all occurred in January. This is the third Winter on record in which all of the 32° or colder low-temperature days occurred in January. The other Winters were 1940-41 and 1962-63. This is also the 8th Winter season on record that recorded less than 5 days with lows of 32° or colder.

 

Precipitation across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged widely from 3.25" to 6.00" with isolated spots up to 8". The Tucson International Airport, which is the official recording location in Tucson, recorded 4.63" which is nearly two inches above normal and ranks as the 15th wettest Winter season on record. The airport set three daily rainfall records (1.25" on December 22nd; 0.81" on January 21st and 0.60" on January 23rd). The last Winter season to record three or more daily rainfall records was Winter 1997-98 (3).

 
Winter 2023-2024 stats
Season
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
68.3°
67.0°
+ 1.3°
Average low temperature
42.8°
41.5°
+ 1.3°
Average temperature
55.5°
54.3°
+ 1.2°
Rainfall
4.63"
2.64"
+ 1.99"
# of days with lows 32° or colder
4
10
- 6
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 

 
2024

The yearly mean temperature of 54.9° which is normal and ranks as the 27th warmest January/February period on record.

Precipitation across the metro area during the first two months of the year has ranged widely from 2.25" to 4.50" with isolated spots up to 5.50". The Tucson International Airport, the official recording location in Tucson, has recorded 3.16" which is almost an inch and a half above normal and ranks as the 14th wettest January/February period on record. The water year rainfall (October 1 to February 29) total of 5.10" ranks as the 35th wettest first five months of the water year on record. 

 

 
Looking ahead into March

The March outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors below-normal monthly mean temperatures (45% below vs 22% above) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal total precipitation amounts.

 
Normal monthly high temperature 75.8°
Normal monthly low temperature 48.0°
Normal monthly temperature 61.9°
Record high temperature 99° on March 26, 1988
Record low temperature 20° on March 4, 1965
Warmest March (avg.) 67.9° in 2017
Coldest March (avg.) 51.5° in 1973
Normal rainfall 0.56"
Wettest March day 1.42" on March 25, 1903
Wettest March 3.88" in 1905
Driest March 0.00" in 1895, 1928, 1933, 1956 & 1984
Snowiest March 6.0" in 1922
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 11 hours 31 minutes 28 seconds on the 1st to 12 hours 30 minutes 51 seconds on the 31st, a gain of 59 minutes 23 seconds.
 
Looking ahead into Spring

The Spring season outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson slightly favors below-normal total seasonal precipitation amounts (34% below vs 33% above) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal seasonal mean temperatures.

 
Normal seasonal high temperature 83.5°
Normal seasonal low temperature 54.3°
Normal seasonal temperature 68.9°
Warmest Spring (avg.) 72.1° in 1989
Coldest Spring (avg.) 59.0° in 1905
Normal Spring rainfall 1.00"
Wettest Spring 7.43" in 1905
Driest Spring Trace in 2018
   
The vernal equinox, otherwise known as the beginning of spring, will occur on March 19th at 8:06 PM when the sun crosses into the northern hemisphere.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

February 20234 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

February 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

February 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media WINTER recap

Winter 2023-2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March climate data across southeast Arizona

March climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring climate data across southeast Arizona

Spring climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

March 2024 climate report for Tucson
24th wettest and 54th warmest on record
Wettest March since 1998
Monthly high temperature coolest since 2000
March monthly high was cooler than the February monthly high
 

The March outlook for Tucson, issued on February 29th by the Climate Prediction Center, favored below-normal monthly mean temperatures (45% below vs 22% above) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal total precipitation amounts. The monthly average temperature was below normal which marks the third straight March that was below normal. On the precipitation side, it was wetter than normal.

 

The first five days of the month had highs in the 70s and lows being either 46° or 47°. Cooler temperatures settled in from the 6th to the 8th as a weather system passed through the state. This system brought widespread valley showers, high-elevation mountain snow, isolated thunderstorms, and small hail on the 7th and scattered lighter showers on the 8th. High temperatures on these three days were in the 60s.

 

Dry conditions and warmer temperatures, with highs in the 70s, returned to the area from the 9th through the 14th

 

Another weather system moved through the state on the 14th and 15th. This system brought scattered showers, high-elevation mountain snow, and a few thunderstorms to the area on the 15th. High temperatures from the 15th through the 17th were in the 60s before warming back into the 70s from the 18th through the 23rd. The exception was on the 22nd when highs across the metro area were in the lower 80s.

 

The third storm system of the month to impact the area brought gusty winds, widespread valley rain, and high-elevation mountain snow on the 24th and 25th. High temperatures once again were only in the 60s. Dry conditions and warmer temperatures returned to the area from the 27th to the 30th with highs in the lower 80s on the 29th and 30th.

 

The last storm system of the month brought gusty winds, widespread valley rain, and mountain snow on the 31st, Easter Sunday. This is the first widespread precipitation event to occur on Easter since 1999 when it snowed across parts of the metro area 25 years ago.

 

The monthly average temperature of 59.7° is just over two degrees below normal (-2.2°) and ranks as the 54th warmest March on record, tied with 1947. This is the third consecutive March that was below-normal and the first occurrence of three or more consecutive below-normal Marches since a five-March period from 1979 to 1983. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 82° on the 29th and 30th to a low of 41° on the 18th. The monthly high of 82° was cooler than the February monthly high of 86°. Since 1895, this is the 16th time on record, first since 2014, that the March monthly high was cooler than the February monthly high. The monthly low of 41° is the second warmest March monthly low on record, bested by the 46° monthly low from March 2014. This is only the seventh March on record in which the monthly low temperature was not in the 20s or 30s.

 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged widely from 0.75" to 1.75 " with localized spots up to 2.50" near the mountains. The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 1.25" which ranks as the 24th wettest March on record.

 
March 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
72.1°
75.8°
- 3.7°
Average low temperature
47.3°
48.0°
- 0.7°
Average temperature
59.7°
61.9°
- 2.2°
Rainfall
1.25"
0.56"
+ 0.69"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

2024

The average yearly temperature of 56.5° is just under one degree BELOW normal (-0.9°) and ranks as the 30th warmest on record, tied with 1911, 1934, 1980, 2005, and 2020, through the end of March.

Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 4.41" is 2.17" ABOVE normal & ranks as the 12th wettest January through March period on record. It is the wettest first quarter of the calendar year since 2010 (4.51"). The water year rainfall is at the halfway mark with 6.35" being recorded which ranks as the 31st wettest first half of the water year period on record.

Each month so far in 2024 has recorded above-normal rainfall at the airport (January: +0.93"; February: +0.55"; March: +0.69"). This is the first time that a year, when compared to their respective normal periods, has started with three above-normal months since 1992 and it's only the 6th such occurrence since 1952.

When you add December 2023, which was 0.51" above normal, the four-straight months of above normal precipitation is the first occurrence since Summer 2006 when June through September each recorded above normal rainfall.

 
2024 stats thru March
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
68.9°
70.6°
- 1.7°
Average low temperature
44.1°
44.1°
0.0°
Average temperature
56.5°
57.4°
- 0.9°
Rainfall
4.41"
2.24"
+ 2.17"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Mar)
6.35"
4.43"
+ 1.92"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into April

The April outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors above-normal total precipitation amounts (45% above vs 22% below) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal monthly mean temperatures.

 
Normal monthly high temperature 82.9°
Normal monthly low temperature 53.3°
Normal monthly temperature 68.1°
Record high temperature 104° on April 20 & 21, 1989
Record low temperature 27° on April 4, 1945
Warmest April (avg.) 73.8° in 1989
Coldest April (avg.) 57.8° in 1975
Normal rainfall 0.24"
Wettest April day 1.17" on April 1, 1999
Wettest April 3.53" in 1905
Driest April 0.00" in 2018 (last of 12 occurrences)
Snowiest April 2.0" in 1976
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 12 hours 32 minutes 49 seconds on the 1st to 13 hours 26 minutes 31 seconds on the 30th, a gain of 53 minutes 42 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

March 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

March 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

March 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April climate data across southeast Arizona

April climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

April 2024 climate report for Tucson
12th wettest and 42nd warmest on record
Wettest April since 2004; coolest April since 2010
3rd wettest April day on record occurs on the 1st
Record cool high temperature set on the 1st
12th coolest April high temperature on record occurs on 1st
52 mph wind gust on 5th
 

The April outlook for Tucson, issued on March 31st by the Climate Prediction Center, favored above-normal total precipitation amounts (45% above vs 22% below) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal monthly mean temperatures. Thanks to the 3rd wettest April day, April 2024 goes into the record books as the 12th wettest April. On the temperature side, April 2024 was cooler than normal. The last cooler-than-normal April was in 2010.

 

The first day of the month started on a wet note, no foolin', as a weather system brought widespread showers and a few thunderstorms to the metro area. A few of the thunderstorms produced heavy rain for April, in a short period. For example, a thunderstorm moved across the airport between 5:57 pm and 6:12 pm with just over half an inch (0.53") being recorded. Normal rainfall for the April is 0.24". The daily total on the 1st at the airport was 0.88" which ranks as the 3rd wettest April day on record but did not set a daily record. No foolin'! The wettest April 1st is 1.17" from 1999.

 

Outside of the wet 1st day of the month, the remainder of the month was dry with the typical roller-coaster ride in high temperatures that occurs in April as weather systems pass by to our north bringing periods of enhanced breeziness. The strongest winds of the month occurred on the 5th when a cold front moved through the area with the airport recording a wind gust of 52 mph. This is the highest April wind gust since April 28, 2017, when a 51-mph gust was recorded. The warmest time of the month was from the 18th to the 23rd when daily highs were in the lower to mid-90s. The airport hit 95° for the first time in 2024 on the 22nd. The 1991-2020 normal first 90° date is April 24th.

 

The monthly average temperature of 67.3° is just under one degree below normal and ranks as the 42nd warmest April on record. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 95° on the 22nd to a low of 39° on the 7th. Interesting climate tidbit: The monthly low temperature for April was in the 30s while the March monthly low temperature was in the 40s. This has happened only one other time, in 2017 (March 40°; April 37°). Only one temperature record was set. It was for a cool high on April 1st with a high temperature of 55°. This broke the old cool high for April 1st of 56° which occurred in 1949. The 55° high on the 1st is the coolest April high temperature since 2011 (57° on the 9th) and the 12th coolest April high temperature on record (since 1895). The record April cool high is 50° from April 12, 1912, and April 5, 1921.

 

Most of the rain that fell across the metro area for the month occurred on April 1st with lingering light showers on the 2nd. Totals recorded across the metro area using sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged from a tenth of an inch (0.10") to nearly one inch (1.00"). The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, was one of the wetter spots across the metro area with a monthly total of 0.88". This ranks as the 12th wettest April on record and wettest since 2004 (1.05").

 
April 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
82.3°
82.9°
- 0.6°
Average low temperature
52.4°
53.3°
- 0.9°
Average temperature
67.3°
68.1°
- 0.8°
Rainfall
0.88"
0.24"
+ 0.64"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

2024

The average yearly temperature of 59.1° is just under one degree below normal and ranks as the 33rd warmest on record through the end of April, tied with 1997, 2004, and 2013. This is the second consecutive year in which the average temperature for the first third of the calendar year is below normal.

Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 5.29" is 2.81" above normal & ranks as the 8th wettest January through April period on record. The water year rainfall total of 7.23" ranks as the 26th wettest on record.

 
2024 stats thru April
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
72.2°
73.7°
- 1.5°
Average low temperature
46.2°
46.4°
- 0.2°
Average temperature
59.2°
60.1°
- 0.9°
Rainfall
5.29"
2.48"
+ 2.81"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Apr)
7.23"
4.67"
+ 2.56"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into May

The May outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson calls for equal chances (EC) of below, near, or above for both total precipitation amounts & monthly mean temperatures.

 
Normal monthly high temperature 91.8°
Normal monthly low temperature 61.8°
Normal monthly temperature 76.8°
Record high temperature 111° on May 29, 1910
Record low temperature 32° on May 3, 1899
Warmest May (avg.) 80.2° in 2000
Coldest May (avg.) 64.6° in 1905
Normal rainfall 0.20"
Wettest May day 1.34" on May 15, 1931
Wettest May 1.34" in 1931
Driest May 0.00" in 2016 (last of 24 occurrences)
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 13 hours 28 minutes 11 seconds on the 1st to 14 hours 7 minutes 15 seconds on the 31st, a gain of 39 minutes 4 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

April 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

April 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

April 2024
 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May climate data across southeast Arizona

May climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

May 2024 climate report for Tucson
24th warmest and driest on record
First triple-digit high of 2024 occurs on the 28th
Rare Aurora Borealis (Northern lights) seen on the 10th
 
The month started with relatively similar temperatures on a daily basis through the 12th with highs were mostly between 87° and 91° and lows mostly in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The big event during the first half of the month was a rare sighting of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights on the 10th thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm. Below are a couple of pictures taken by the NWS Tucson staff.
 
Northern Lights picture from Kei Malarkey from May 10th Northern Lights picture from Lance Tripoli from May 10th
 
The only precipitation event that impacted part of the metro area occurred on the 15th & 16th as isolated light showers and a thunderstorm or two moved through.
 
The second half of the month was notable in the several attempts for the first triple-digit high of 2024. The first attempt was on the 18th with highs in the upper 90s and localized areas hitting 100°. However the airport fell short at 99°. It would be another week-plus before there was another triple-digit attempt. On Memorial Day, the first triple-digit high temperature of 2024 occurred at 3:28 PM. This is only the second time that the first triple-digit high of the calendar year occurred on Memorial Day. The previous occurrence was on May 30, 1977.
 
The monthly average temperature of 77.2° is four-tenths of a degree above normal and ranks as the 24th warmest May on record, tied with 1963. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 103° on the 28th to a low of 53° on the 7th.
 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, mostly was zero with localized spots up to a tenth of an inch. The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded zero rainfall. This is 26th May since 1895 that no rain was recorded at the official site in Tucson.

 
May 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
93.1°
91.8°
+ 1.3°
Average low temperature
61.3°
61.8°
- 0.5°
Average temperature
77.2°
76.8°
+ 0.4°
Days with highs 100° or warmer
5
4
+ 1
Rainfall
0.00"
0.20"
- 0.20"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Spring 2024 climate report for Tucson
33rd warmest and 18th wettest on record
First back-to-back below normal Spring seasonal mean temperatures since Spring 1979-1980
60 consecutive days with no rain to end the season
5th longest Spring dry streak on record
 

Spring 2024 was cooler and wetter than the 1991-2020 normal. If you recall the Spring season outlook for Tucson, issued on February 15th by the Climate Prediction Center, slightly favored below-normal total seasonal precipitation amounts (34% below vs 33% above) and equal chances for either below, near, or above-normal seasonal mean temperatures.

 

The seasonal average temperature of 68.1° was below the 1991-2020 normal of 68.9° and goes into the record books as the 33rd warmest on record. The seasonal average temperature was below normal for back-to-back Springs for the first time since the Springs 1979 & 1980. Temperature extremes ranged from a high of 103° on May 28th to a low of 39° on April 7th.

 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged from 1.50" to 3.50". The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 2.13" which is 1.13" above normal. This ranks as the 18th wettest Spring on record. The majority of seasonal rain fell during the first third of the Spring season with little to no rain after April 1st through the end of May. In fact, the Spring season ended on the 60 day consecutive day streak with no rain being recorded at the airport. This ranks as the 5th longest Spring dry streak on record, tied with 2020.

 
Spring 2024 stats
Season
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
82.5°
83.5°
- 1.0°
Average low temperature
53.7°
54.3°
- 0.6°
Average temperature
68.1°
68.9°
- 0.8°
Days with highs 100° or warmer
5
4
+ 1
Rainfall
2.13"
1.00"
+ 1.13"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 

2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of May, of 62.9° is 0.6° below normal and ranks as the 29th warmest on record. The average yearly temperature is below normal at the end of May for the 7th time since 1982.

Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 5.29" is 2.68" above normal and ranks as the 11th wettest January through May period on record. The water year is above normal since October 1st at 7.23" which ranks as the 27th wettest water year to date with four months left in the water year calendar.

 
2024 stats thru May
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
76.5°
77.4°
- 0.9°
Average low temperature
49.3°
49.5°
- 0.2°
Average temperature
62.9°
63.5°
- 0.6°
Days with highs 100° or warmer
5
4
+ 1
Rainfall
5.29"
2.68"
+ 2.61"
Water year rainfall (Oct-May)
7.23"
4.87"
+ 2.36"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into June
The June outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors above-normal monthly mean temperatures (45% above vs 22% below) and equal chances (EC) of below, near, or above normal total precipitation amounts.
 
Normal monthly high temperature 101.2°
Normal monthly low temperature 71.1°
Normal monthly temperature 86.1°
Record high temperature 117° on June 26, 1990
Record low temperature 43° on June 4, 1908
Hottest June (avg.) 89.8° in 2021
Coldest June (avg.) 77.6° in 1965
Normal rainfall 0.23"
Wettest June day 1.56" on June 28, 1938
Wettest June 2.07" in 1938
Driest June 0.00" in 2014 (last of 15 occurrences)
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 14 hours 8 minutes & 4 seconds on the 1st to 14 hours 13 minutes & 42 second on the 30th, a gain of 5 minutes & 38 seconds.
 
 
Looking ahead into Summer
The Summer outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal seasonal mean temperatures (59% above vs 8% below) and very slightly favors below-normal total precipitation amounts (34% below vs 33% above).
 
Normal seasonal high temperature 100.0°
Normal seasonal low temperature 74.2°
Normal seasonal temperature 87.1°
Hottest Summer (avg.) 90.0° in 2020
Coldest Summer (avg.) 81.3° in 1923
Normal Summer rainfall 4.42"
Wettest Summer 13.06" in 1955
Driest Summer 0.81" in 1926
   
Astronomical summer, or the summer solstice, will begin on June 20th at 1:50 PM when the sun reaches the northern most latitude part of the earth (23.4 degrees north or the Tropic of Cancer).
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

May 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

May 2023 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

May 2023 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media SPRING recap

Spring 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June climate data across southeast Arizona

June climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer climate data across southeast Arizona

Summer climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

June 2024 climate report for Tucson
4th hottest and 10th wettest
All but one day recorded a triple-digit high
73 mph wind gust at airport, highest in June since 1946
Highest surface dew point values on record
 
Tucsonans know June is a hot and dry month, but they always have thoughts on when the summer thunderstorm season, aka the Monsoon, will begin. This June will be known for being one of the hottest on record with triple-digit high temperatures almost every day and abnormally high surface dew point values during the last third of the month, which fueled the early start to the summer thunderstorm season, resulting in the 10th wettest June.
 
When the June outlook was issued on May 31st by the Climate Prediction Center, Tucson was favored for above-normal monthly mean temperatures (45% above vs 22% below) and equal chances (EC) of below, near, or above normal total precipitation amounts.
 

The first twenty days was dry and hot with high temperatures between 100° and 110° (20th) and lows in the mid to upper 60s (1st thru 5th) and in the 70s (6th thru 20th). The first signs of monsoonal moisture moving into the area occurred on the 20th when strong easterly winds pushed dew point values into the 50s and lower 60s. The average daily dew point of the 20th was 51° versus the 40° on the 19th.

 

Abnormally high surface dew point values remained in the area for the last 10 days of the month with daily averages being in the 60s. Below is a list of some astonishing numbers with dew point data in Tucson dating back to 1946.

  • 10 straight days with the average daily dew point in the 60s. Previous June high is 4 straight days in 2000 (27th to 30th)
  • Daily average records were set/tied on six straight days (22nd: 66°; old record 63°); (23rd: 67°, old record 64°); (24th: 65°, old record 59°); (25th: 64°, old record 63°); (26th: 63°, old record 61°); (27th: 60°, record tied).
  • The daily average on the 23rd, 67°, tied the highest June daily average previously occurring on June 29th & 30th in 2000.
  • Hourly observations were in the 70s for 19 hours while from 1946 to 2023 there were a total of 20 hours.
  • There was 16 straight hourly observations with dew points in the 70s (5 pm June 22 to 8 am June 23).
  • New monthly hourly dew point value was set with 74° at 6 am on the 23rd.
  • The 74° dew point on the 23rd is the 4th highest hourly dew point recorded on record behind 77° on August 3, 1989; 76° on August 10, 1966 & 75° on August 22, 1959 & August 11, 1975.
 

There were two notable monsoon storms during the last ten days of the month.

  • A 73 mph wind gust from a thunderstorm hit the Tucson Int'l airport on the 21st. Dating back to 1946, this is the highest wind gust recorded in June. The previous high was 68 mph from a thunderstorm on June 30, 2013.
  • Up to two inches of rain fell across portions of the city on the afternoon of the 22nd producing flash flooding which resulted in over a dozen swift water rescues.
 

The monthly average temperature of 89.3° is 3.2° above normal and ranks as the 4th hottest June on record. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 110° on the 20th to a low of 66° on the 2nd & 3rd. The month recorded 29 triple-digit high temperatures is one short of the June record of 30 days set in 2013. The 33 consecutive days of triple-digit highs, which began on May 27th and ended on June 28th, goes into the record books tied as the 6th longest on record.

 

Rainfall across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged widely, as is usually the case during the convective season, from a tenth of an inch to nearly three inches. The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded just over one inch (1.07") which is slightly over eight-tenths of an inch above normal and ranks as the 10th wettest June on record..

 
June 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
104.1°
101.2°
+ 2.9°
Average low temperature
74.5°
71.1°
+ 3.4°
Average temperature
89.3°
86.1°
+ 3.2°
Days with highs 100° or warmer
29
21
+ 8
Days with highs 105° or warmer
14
10
+ 4
Days with highs 110° or warmer
1
1
0
Rainfall
1.07"
0.23"
+ 0.84"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of June, of 67.2° is right at normal & ranks as the 20th warmest on record, tied with 1943, 1954 & 2002. The streak of triple-digit high temperatures for year of 33 consecutive days (May 27 to June 28) is tied with 2002 (June 12 to July 14) for the 6th longest on record dating back to 1895.

 
Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 6.36" is nearly three and a half inches above normal and ranks as the 6th wettest January through June period on record. The water year is well above normal also since October 1st at 8.30" which ranks as the 20th wettest water year to date, tied with 1924, with three months left in the water year calendar. For the second year in a row, the first half of the year will end with no drought conditions across the metro area.
 
2024 stats thru June
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
81.0°
81.3°
- 0.3°
Average low temperature
53.4°
53.1°
+ 0.3°
Average temperature
67.2°
67.2°
0.0°
Days with highs 100° or warmer
34
25
+ 9
Days with highs 105° or warmer
14
11
+ 3
Days with highs 110° or warmer
1
1
0
Rainfall
6.36"
2.91"
+ 3.45"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Jun)
8.30"
5.10"
+ 3.20"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into July

The July outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors above-normal monthly mean temperatures (55% above vs 12% below) and ever so slightly favors above-normal total precipitation amounts (34% above vs 33% below).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 100.2°
Normal monthly low temperature 76.3°
Normal monthly temperature 88.2°
Record high temperature 114° on July 25, 1995 and July 4, 1989
Record low temperature 49° on July 3, 1911
Warmest July (avg.) 94.2° in 2023
Coldest July (avg.) 81.4° in 1912
Normal rainfall 2.21"
Wettest July day 3.93" on July 29, 1958
Wettest July 8.06" in 2021
Driest July 0.04" in 1995
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 14 hours 13 minutes & 15 seconds on the 1st to 13 hours 42 minutes & 50 seconds on the 31st, a loss of 30 minutes & 25 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

June 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

June 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

June 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July climate data across southeast Arizona

July climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

July 2024 climate report for Tucson
2nd HOTTEST & 26th wettest on record
3rd hottest calendar month on record
EF-1 tornado occurs on southeast part of metro area late on July 2nd
Widespread damage occurs on the 14th
 

The July outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favored above-normal monthly mean temperatures (55% above vs 12% below) and, ever so slightly, favored above-normal total precipitation amounts (34% above vs 33% below).

 

The monthly average temperature of 91.6° ranks as the 2nd hottest July on record, behind 2023 (94.2°) and the 3rd hottest calendar month on record, behind 2023 (94.2°) & August 2020 (92.0°). Record high temperatures were set on the 8th (112°), 9th (111°), & 10th (110°) & tied on the 5th (111°). Temperature extremes range from 112° on the 8th to 70° on the 25th.

 

This years Monsoon, which started early, has been very active with multiple days in July seeing significant impacts from thunderstorms moving across the area. Below is a listing of some of the most impactful events.

  • 2nd: Severe thunderstorm on the southeast side of Tucson produced a tornado that was classified as EF-1 after a storm survey.
  • 5th: Severe thunderstorm on the west side of Tucson downed several power poles on Ina Road.
  • 14th: One of the more significant storms to hit the Tucson metro area in quite some time brought widespread damage, hail, and flooding to the western half of the metro area. Wind gusts over 70 mph were recorded which resulted in over 70 power poles downed according to Tucson Electric Power and a significant amount of trees downed/uprooted. Rainfall amounts over two inches also brought flash flooding while hail up to 1" in diameter covered the ground in isolated areas.
  • 25th: Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain moved across the metro area. Some areas recorded over two inches of rain which led to flash flooding and several swift water rescues.
 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged widely from a half an inch to 5.00". The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 3.41" which nearly one and a quarter inches above normal and ranks as the 26th wettest on record.

 
July 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
105.0°
100.2°
+ 4.8°
Average low temperature
78.3°
76.3°
+ 2.0°
Average temperature
91.6°
88.2°
+ 3.4°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
28
19
+ 9
Days with highs 105° or hotter
18
9
+ 9
Days with highs 110° or hotter
5
1
+ 4
Rainfall
3.41"
2.21"
+ 1.20"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

Monsoon 2024

Monsoon 2024 is running well above normal through the end of July with 4.48" being recorded at the Tucson International Airport. This ranks as the 16th wettest first 47 days of the monsoon on record. Rainfall totals across the Tucson metro area for the season so far ranged widely from 1.50" to 7.00".

 

2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of July, of 70.8° ranks as the 16th warmest on record. Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 9.77" is over four and a half inches above normal and ranks as the 3rd wettest January through July period on record. The water year rainfall since October 1st of 11.71" is nearly four and a half inches above normal and ranks as the 13th wettest water year to date with two months left in the water year calendar.

 
2024 stats thru July
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
84.5°
84.1°
+ 0.4°
Average low temperature
57.0°
56.5°
+ 0.5°
Average temperature
70.8°
70.3°
+ 0.5°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
62
44
+ 18
Days with highs 105° or hotter
32
20
+ 12
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Rainfall
9.77"
5.12"
+ 4.65"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Jul)
11.71"
7.31"
+ 4.40"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

Looking ahead into August

The August outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal monthly mean temperatures (61% above vs 6% below) and slightly favors above-normal total precipitation amounts (34% above vs 33% below).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 98.6°
Normal monthly low temperature 75.2°
Normal monthly temperature 86.9°
Record high temperature 112° on August 1, 1993
Record low temperature 55° on August 20, 1917
Hottest August (avg.) 92.0° in 2020
Coolest August (avg.) 80.8° in 1923
Normal rainfall 1.98"
Wettest August day 2.88" on August 1, 1935
Wettest August 7.93" in 1955
Driest August 0.08" in 1924
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 13 hours 41 minutes & 22 seconds on the 1st to 12 hours 49 minutes & 41 seconds on the 31st, a loss of 51 minutes & 41 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

July 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

July 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

July 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August climate data across southeast Arizona

August climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

August 2024 climate report for Tucson
6th hottest and 33rd driest on record
70 mph wind gust at the airport on the 8th
 

The August outlook for Tucson, issued on July 31st by the Climate Prediction Center, favored above-normal monthly mean temperatures (61% above vs 4% below) and slightly favored above-normal total precipitation amounts (34% above vs 33% below). The temperature forecast was right on with the 6th hottest August being recorded. Precipitation was a mixed bag across the metro area with most of the city recording below normal rainfall. However, there were areas, like west of Interstate 10 in and around the Tucson mountains that recorded amounts that were 200% above normal.

 

Daily thunderstorm activity was less across the metro area than what occurred in July with seven days seeing scattered to widespread precipitation across the metro area. Those days were the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 17th, 18th, 21st and 22nd. The highest wind gust the airport recorded this month was 70 mph on the 8th.

 

The monthly average temperature of 89.0° is 2.1° ABOVE normal and ranks as the 6th hottest August on record, tied with 2015. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 108° on the 3rd to a low of 70° on the 21st. Two daily temperature records were tied during the month, and they were both for warm lows (83° on the 10th [tied 1915] & 80° on the 17th [tied 1951, 2010, 2015 & 2020]).

 

Rainfall amounts, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, varied widely across the metro area which is always the case during the summer thunderstorm season. Amounts ranged from 0.50" to 5.00" with the higher-end amounts occurring west of Interstate 10 near and around the Tucson Mountains. The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded only 1.20" with most of the monthly total occurring on the 8th (0.91"). This 0.91" occurred in a span of 30 minutes. Overall, August 2024 was slightly three-quarters of an inch below normal and ranks as the 33rd driest August on record.

 
August 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
101.2°
98.6°
+ 2.6°
Average low temperature
76.9°
75.2°
+ 1.7°
Average temperature
89.0°
86.9°
+ 2.1°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
21
15
+ 6
Days with highs 105° or hotter
6
5
+ 1
Days with lows 80° or warmer
4
3
+ 1
Rainfall
1.20"
1.98"
-0.78"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Summer 2024 climate report for Tucson
Hottest on record, tied with 2020
35th wettest on record
Summer seasonal average low temperature warmest on record
Most number of Summer days with low temperatures 75° or warmer
 

Each Summer in the 21st century has had a top 10 hottest ranking at the time of occurrence, except for three Summers (2001, 2008 & 2021). So, Tucsonans know coming into Summer that it will most likely be a hot one. What is unknown when the season starts is how hot it will be. The outlook for this summer, issued by the Climate Prediction Center on May 16th, strongly favored above-normal mean temperatures at 59% above vs 4% below. Thanks to the 4th hottest June; the 2nd hottest July; and the 6th hottest August on record, Summer 2024 goes into the record books as the HOTTEST Summer on record, tied with 2020.

 
The table below shows a comparison of the three hottest Summers on record in Tucson.
Summer Year => 2024 2020 1994
Average Seasonal Temperature 90.0° 90.0° 89.9°
Average Seasonal High Temperature 103.4° 103.8° 104.9°
Average Seasonal Low Temperature 76.6° 76.1° 75.0°
Average June Temperature 89.3° 86.4° 89.2°
Average July Temperature 91.6° 91.5° 90.4°
Average August Temperature 89.0° 92.0° 90.2°
Number of High Temperatures 100° or hotter 78 74 84
Number of High Temperatures 105° or hotter 38 50 51
Number of High Temperatures 110° or hotter 6 7 10
Number of Low Temperatures 75° or warmer 67 61 53
Consecutive days with High Temperature 100° or hotter 33 26 30
Concessive days with High Temperature 105° or hotter 12 13 24
Concessive days with High Temperature 110° or hotter 4 2 6

Number of daily record High Temperatures set or tied 5 10 19
Number of daily record warm Low Temperatures set or tied 2 12 7
Number of daily record Temperatures set or tied 7 22 26
All-time records are bolded in red.
 
Temperature extremes ranged from a high of 112° on July 8th to a low of 66° on June 2nd & 3rd. The 78 days with highs 100° or hotter are the 2nd most for summer, behind the 84 days from 1994, while the 38 days with highs 105° or hotter is the 4th most for summer. Seven daily temperatures records were set or tied during the Summer of 2024. Five were for highs while two were for warm lows.
 

As is usually the case during the summer thunderstorm season rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, ranged widely from 3.00" to 8.00" with localized amounts up to 10.00". The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded 5.68" which is slightly over one and a quarter inches above normal and ranks as the 35th wettest Summer on record.

 
Summer 2024 stats
Season
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
103.4°
100.0°
+ 3.4°
Average low temperature
76.6°
74.2°
+ 2.4°
Average temperature
90.0°
87.1°
+ 2.9°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
78
55
+ 23
Days with highs 105° or hotter
38
24
+ 14
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Days with lows 80° or warmer
20
11
+ 9
Days with lows 85° or warmer
1
1
0
Rainfall
5.68"
4.42"
+1.26"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Monsoon 2024

Monsoon 2024 is running above normal through the end of August with 5.68" being recorded at Tucson International Airport. This ranks as the 35th wettest Monsoon on record at the end of August. Rainfall totals across the metro area vary widely, as is usually the case during the summer thunderstorm season, with totals ranging from 3.00" to 8.00" with localized amounts up to 10.00".

 

 
2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of August, of 73.2° is eight-tenths of a degree above normal and ranks as the 12th warmest on record, tied with 2021. Rainfall at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, of 10.97" is nearly four inches above normal and ranks as the 13th wettest (tied with 1990) January through August period on record. The water year is above normal since October 1st with 12.91" being recorded which ranks as the 26th wettest water year to date with one month left in the water year calendar.

 
2024 stats thru August
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
86.7°
86.0°
+ 0.7°
Average low temperature
59.6°
58.9°
+ 0.7°
Average temperature
73.2°
72.4°
+ 0.8°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
83
59
+ 24
Days with highs 105° or hotter
38
25
+ 13
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Days with lows 80° or warmer
20
11
+ 9
Days with lows 85° or warmer
1
1
0
Rainfall
10.97"
7.10"
+ 3.87"
Water year rainfall (Oct-Aug)
12.91"
9.29"
+ 3.62"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into September

The September outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal mean temperatures (63% above vs 4% below) and slightly favors below-normal total precipitation amounts (34% below vs 33% above).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 95.1°
Normal monthly low temperature 70.4°
Normal monthly temperature 82.8°
Record high temperature 111° on September 10, 2023
Record low temperature 43° on September 26, 1913
Warmest September (avg.) 85.7° in 2020 & 2023
Coldest September (avg.) 76.3° in 1964
Normal rainfall 1.32"
Wettest September day 2.85" on September 10, 1964
Wettest September 5.60" in 2011
Driest September 0.00" in 1953 & 2020
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 12 hours 47 minutes and 48 seconds on the 1st to 11 hours 51 minutes and 27 seconds on the 30th, a loss of 56 minutes 21 seconds.
 
Looking ahead into Fall
The Fall outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal seasonal mean temperatures (51% above vs 16% below) and favors below-normal total precipitation amounts (47% below vs 20% above).
 
Normal seasonal high temperature 85.5°
Normal seasonal low temperature 59.1°
Normal seasonal temperature 72.3°
Warmest Fall (avg.) 76.5° in 2017
Coldest Fall (avg.) 65.9° in 1919
Normal Fall rainfall 2.55"
Wettest Fall 10.97" in 1983
Driest Fall 0.12" in 2017
   
The autumnal equinox, otherwise known as the beginning of fall, will occur on September 22nd at 5:43 PM when the sun begins to cross the equator into the southern hemisphere.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

August 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

August 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

August 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media SUMMER recap

Summer 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September climate data across southeast Arizona

September climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall climate data across southeast Arizona

Fall climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

September 2024 climate report for Tucson
Warmest and 17th driest on record
Daily, monthly, yearly records were set
 

The main stories for the month was the extreme heat, especially toward the end of the month, which led to Tucson recording yet another warmest September and the lack of rainfall to close out the 2024 Monsoon.

 

The monthly average temperature of 86.6° is 3.8° above normal and ranks as the warmest September on record, shattering the previous warmest September of 85.7° from last year and 2020. Tucson has established a warmest September on record four times this century, with three of those occurring this decade (2020: 85.7°; 2023 (tied): 85.7° & 2024: 86.5°). Below is an list of daily, monthly and yearly temperature records that were set or tied this September.

 
Monthly records set or tied:
  • Average monthly temperature: 86.6° (old record 85.7° in 2020 & 2023)
  • Average monthly high temperature: 99.9° (old record 99.7° in 2023)
  • Average monthly low temperature: 73.2° (old record 72.4° in 2022)
  • Number of days with highs 105° or hotter: 6 (old record 5 days in 1952)
  • Number of days with highs 100° or hotter: 16, tied (previously set in 1953 & 2010)
  • Warmest daily low temperature: 86° on September 6, 2024 (old record 84° on September 1, 2011 & September 6, 2020).
  • Number of daily high temperature records set: 6, tied (previously set in 1910)
  • Consecutive days with high temperature records set: 6, (old record 4 days in 1990)
Daily records set:
  • Highs
  • 105° on September 25 (old record 104° in 1899)
  • 105° on September 26 (old record 104° in 1899 & 2023)
  • 108° on September 27 (old record 103° in 2023)
  • 108° on September 28 (old record 103° in 1994)
  • 104° on September 29 (old record 101° in 2000, 2009 & 2010)
  • 105° on September 30 (old record 104° in 2010)
  • Warm lows
  • 86° on September 6 (old record 84° in 2020)
  • 83° on September 7 (old record 81° in 2019)
  • 80° on September 8 (old record 79° in 2020)
  • 79° on September 29 (old record 76° in 1992)
Yearly records set or tied: (old record date occurrence before 2024)
  • Latest date for 108° high: September 28, 2024 (old date September 10, 2023)
  • Latest date for 107° high: September 28, 2024 (old date September 14, 2000)
  • Latest date for 106° high: September 28, 2024 (old date September 22, 1989)
  • Latest date for 105° high: September 30, 2024 (old date September 22, 1989)
  • Latest date for 104° high: September 30, 2024 (previously set September 30, 2010)
  • Number of days with low temperature 75° or warmer: 78 (old record 75 days in 2020)
 

Rainfall amounts, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, were mostly less than half an inch across the metro area. The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded only 0.12" which is nearly one and a quarter inches below normal and ranks as the 17th driest September on record.

 
September 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
99.9°
95.1°
+ 4.8°
Average low temperature
73.2°
70.4°
+ 2.8°
Average temperature
86.6°
82.8°
+ 3.8°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
16
8
+ 8
Days with highs 105° or hotter
6
1
+ 5
Rainfall
0.12"
1.32"
- 1.20"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

Monsoon 2024
3rd hottest & 61st wettest on record

Monsoon 2024 was hot with an average season temperature of 89.3° which is three degrees above normal. This ranks as the 3rd hottest monsoon on record. Temperature extremes ranged from 112° on July 8th to 62° on September 22nd.

The season started early and ended early with the unusual hazards that accompany the monsoon (severe thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain, flash flooding, and blowing dust). There were two notable impactful days, June 22 (flash flooding leading to many swift water rescues) and July 14 (severe thunderstorms and numerous reports of downed power poles, roof damage, and an extensive amount of tree damage).

The season was split into two periods, a very wet first half and a very dry second half. The table below shows the rainfall breakdown at the Tucson airport between these two periods this monsoon.

 
Monsoon 2024 rainfall periods
Rainfall
Normal
Departure
Rank
June 15 to August 8 (55 days)
5.39"
2.94"
+ 2.45"
13th wettest
August 9 to September 30 (53 days)
0.41"
2.75"
- 2.34"
4th driest
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

Overall rainfall amounts, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, varied widely across the metro area as is usually the case during the summer thunderstorm season. Amounts ranged from 3" to 9" with the Tucson International airport, the official recording location in Tucson, recording 5.80". This ranks as the 61st wettest monsoon on record.

 
Monsoon 2024 stats
Season
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
99.0°
98.7°
+ 0.3°
Average low temperature
75.3°
73.9°
+ 1.4°
Average temperature
89.3°
86.3°
+ 3.0°
Rainfall
5.80"
5.69"
+ 0.11"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of September, of 74.6° is 1.0° above normal and ranks as the 7th warmest on record, tied with 1989 & 1994.

Rainfall amounts, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages, and CoCoRaHS, varied widely across the metro area. Amounts ranged from 8" to 13". The International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, has recorded 11.09" is two and two-thirds of an inch above normal and ranks as the 22nd wettest January to September on record.

The 2023-24 water year, thanks to a wetter-than-normal winter and slightly above-normal monsoon, ended up above-normal with 13.03" being recorded at the airport. This ranks as the 35th wettest water year (October 1st to September 30th) on record, tied with 1945.

 
2024 stats thru September
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
88.2°
87.0°
+ 1.2°
Average low temperature
61.1°
60.2°
+ 0.9°
Average temperature
74.6°
73.6°
+ 1.0°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
99
67
+ 32
Days with highs 105° or hotter
44
26
+ 18
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Days with lows 80° or warmer
23
11
+ 12
Rainfall
11.09"
8.42"
+ 2.67"
2023-2024 Water year rainfall
13.03"
10.61"
+ 2.42"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into October

The October outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal mean temperatures (59% above vs 8% below) and slightly favors below-normal total precipitation amounts (39% below vs 28% above).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 86.3°
Normal monthly low temperature 59.0°
Normal monthly temperature 72.6°
Record high temperature 103° on October 1 and 2, 2020
Record low temperature 26° on October 30, 1971
Warmest October (avg.) 77.5° in 2016
Coldest October (avg.) 63.7° in 1919
Normal rainfall 0.67"
Wettest October day 2.96" on October 1, 1983
Wettest October 4.98" in 1983 & 2000
Driest October 0.00" in 2017 (last of 12 occurrences)
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 11 hours 49 minutes and 30 seconds on the 1st to 10 hours 53 minutes and 26 seconds on the 31st, a loss of 56 minutes and 4 seconds.
 
Glueck
Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

September 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

September 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

September 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monsoon rainfall Haywood plot

Haywood plot of monsoon rainfall at the official site in Tucson since 1895.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October climate data across southeast Arizona

October climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

October 2024 climate report for Tucson
Warmest and driest on record
Historic run of record high temperatures
The 7 hottest October days on record were recorded
 

Records are made to be broken but what occurred in October 2024 was historic. Strong upper level high pressure which was around during the last week of September remained over the area during much of October resulting in a historic run of record high temperatures.

The month began with the continuation of record setting high temperatures that occurred over the last six days of September and continued for much of October. The table below is a day-by-day account of high temperatures vs daily records, which were broken along with additional details in the notes column. A lot to take in.

 
Date High Old record high & year Notes (monthly or yearly)
1st 105° 103° in 2020 1) Sets all-time October record high, breaking the old record of 103° from October 1 & 2 in 2020. 2) Extends latest calendar date for 105° high to October 1. 3) Sets all-time October record for daily average temperature (high+low)/2 of 89°. Old record was 87° from October 7, 2023. 4) Record warm low temperature for the 1st of 73°. Old daily record was 72° from 1914, 1997 & 2014.
2nd 100°   1) No daily record high. 2) Record warm low temperature for the 2nd of 75°. Old daily record was 74° from 1997.
3rd 103° 102° in 1993 High temperature 13° above normal.
4th 106° 102° in 2020 1) Sets all-time October record high, breaking the old record of 105° set three days earlier on the 1st. 2) Extends latest calendar date for 105° & 106° high to October 4th.
5th 105° 101° in 2020* 1) Extends latest calendar date for 105° high to October 5th. 2) Tied all-time October record for daily average temperature (high+low)/2 of 89°, previously set four days earlier on the 1st.
6th 105° 101° in 2023* Extends latest calendar date for 105° high to October 6th.
7th 104° 101° in 2020* Extends latest calendar date for 104° high to October 7th.
8th 103° 101° in 1910 Extends latest calendar date for 103° high to October 8th.
9th 102° 100° in 1996 1) Extends latest calendar date for 102° high to October 9th. 2) Yearly total of 108 days with highs 100° or hotter tied the yearly record previously set in 2020.
10th 101° 99° in 1996 Yearly total of 109 days with highs 100° or hotter sets new yearly record previously set in 2020 (108 days).
11th 101° 99° in 1950 Extends yearly record with highs 100° or hotter to 110 days.
12th 101° 99° in 1998 Extends yearly record with highs 100° or hotter to 111 days.
13th 101° 99° in 2020 Extends yearly record with highs 100° or hotter to 112 days.
14th 96°   1) No daily record high. 2) Ends October record of consecutive days with triple-digit highs at 13. Old record was 8 days in 2020. 3) Record streak of record high temperature ends at 11 straight days.
15th 93°   No daily record high.
16th 95°   No daily record high.
17th 89°   No daily record high.
18th 81°   No daily record high. Coolest high since April 27 (75°). Cold front moved through area.
19th 72°   No daily record high. Coolest high since April 8 (70°).
20th 80°   No daily record high.
21st 89°   No daily record high.
22nd 96° 96° in 2016 Only record high that was tied during month.
23rd 99° 96° in 2017 Latest calendar date for 99° high. Previous record date was October 20th.
24th 95°   No daily record high.
25th 97° 95° in 2017 High temperature 13° above normal.
26th 99° 96° in 2001 Extends latest calendar date for 99° high to October 26th.
27th 98° 97° in 2016 Latest calendar date for 98° high.
28th 91°   No daily record high. High temperature 8° above normal.
29th 74°   No daily record high. High temperature 8° below normal.
30th 72°   No daily record high. 1st back-to-back days with highs in the 70s' since April 8-9.
31st 82°   No daily record high. The only day with a normal high.
Color legend: Record broken | Record tied
 
The 10 hottest October days through 2023 and 2024
October 1894-2023   October 1894-2024
103° October 2, 2020   106° October 4, 2024
103° October 1, 2020   105° October 6, 2024
102° October 4, 2020   105° October 5, 2024
102° October 1, 2010   105° October 1, 2024
102° October 3, 1993   104° October 7, 2024
101° October 20, 2023*   103° October 8, 2024
* - last of 17 occurrences   103° October 2, 2024
      103° October 2, 2020
      103° October 1, 2020
      102° October 4, 2020*
      * - last of 3 occurrences
 
Calendar months that recorded 10 or more record highs. (since 1910)
17 days October 2024
12 days August 1915
11 days April 1910
May 1934
December 1939
April 1989
November 1999
10 days April 1943
July 1989
July 2023
Consecutive days with record highs
11 days October 3-13, 2024
8 days July 15-22, 2023
7 days April 23-29, 1939
March 7-13, 1989
November 11-17 1999
 

The monthly average temperature of 78.6° is a whopping 6° ABOVE normal and ranks as the warmest October on record, shattering the old record by 1.1°. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a monthly record high of 106° on the 4th to a low of 45° on the 31st.

 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged from zero to up to a tenth of an inch. Most of the area recorded no rain. This includes the Tucson International Airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson.. This is the 13th time on record that the official recording spot didn't record a drop of rain.

 
October 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
94.7°
86.3°
+ 8.4°
Average low temperature
62.5°
59.0°
+ 3.5°
Average temperature
78.6°
72.6°
+ 6.0°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
13
1
+ 12
Days with highs 105° or hotter
4
0
+ 4
Rainfall
0.00"
0.67"
- 0.67"
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 

 
Fall 2024 so far

Two-thirds of climatological Fall is in the books and 2024 ranks as the warmest & 7th driest on record with one month left to go.

 

 
2024

The average yearly temperature, through the end of October, of 75.0° is 1.5° above normal and ranks as the 4th warmest on record. The yearly rainfall total of 11.09" at the Tucson International airport, the official location in Tucson, ranks as the 35th wettest January through October period on record.

 
2024 stats thru October
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
88.8°
86.9°
+ 1.9°
Average low temperature
61.2°
60.1°
+ 1.1°
Average temperature
75.0°
73.5°
+ 1.5°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
112
68
+ 44
Days with highs 105° or hotter
48
26
+ 22
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Days with lows 80° or warmer
23
11
+ 12
Rainfall
11.09"
9.09"
+ 2.00"
2024-2025 Water year rainfall
0.00"
0.67"
- 0.67"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into November

The November outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson is for equal chances for either above-normal (33%), near normal (34%) or below-normal (33%) mean temperatures & total precipitation amounts.

 
Normal monthly high temperature 75.1°
Normal monthly low temperature 47.9°
Normal monthly temperature 61.5°
Record high temperature 94° on Nov. 1, 1924 & Nov. 5, 2020 & 2023
Record low temperature 19° on November 19, 1921
Warmest November (avg.) 69.1° in 2017
Coldest November (avg.) 51.0° in 1911
Normal rainfall 0.56"
Wettest November day 2.09" on November 22, 1931
Wettest November 4.61" in 1905
Driest November 0.00" in 2014 (last of 15 occurrences)
Record November snowfall 6.4" in 1958
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 10 hours 51 minutes and 43 second on the 1st to 10 hours 12 minutes and 2 seconds on the 30th, a loss of 39 minutes and 41 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

October 2024 climate recap for Tucon Arizona

Temperature graph

October 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

October 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November climate data across southeast Arizona

November climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

November 2024 climate report for Tucson
48th warmest and 60th driest on record
Cooler and drier than normal
Monthly low temperature occurs on the 8th. unusually early
 
Coming off the warmest October on record, the average temperature for each of the first nine days of November was below normal. This was due to a couple of weather systems that moved across the area. The first system brought widespread rain, a few thunderstorms with small hail, and mountain snow on the 3rd. High temperatures on the 3rd and 4th were in the 60s. The second system moved through on the 6th & 7th and was colder but drier. High temperatures struggled to get out of the 50s on the 7th with lows on the 8th in the lower 30s with a few spots briefly below freezing.
 

The remainder of the month saw a roller-coaster ride in high temperatures.

  • 10th through 15th: Daily highs in the 80s except for 12th (74°)
  • 16th through 19th: Daily highs in the 60s
  • 17th through 26th: Daily highs in the 80s except for 17th (77°) & 25th (77°)
  • 27th through 30th: Daily highs in the 70s
 

The monthly average temperature of 59.9° is 1.6° BELOW normal and ranks as the 48th warmest November on record, tied with 1932 & 1936. Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 87° on the 14th to a low of 34° on the 8th. It's rather rare to have the coldest low temperature of November occurring in the first eight days of the month. This November was the 11th occurrence since 1894, and only the second occurrence in the past 50 years (2008).

 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged from 0.25" to 1.00" with isolated spots up to 1.50". The high-end rainfall amounts mostly occurred on the northwest side of the metro area, or from Marana to Oro Valley. The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, was on the dry side with just over four-tenths of an inch (0.43") being recorded. This ranks as the 60th driest November on record.

 
November 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
74.7°
75.1°
- 0.4°
Average low temperature
45.0°
47.9°
- 2.9°
Average temperature
59.9°
61.5°
- 1.6°
Days with highs 80° or warmer
11
11
+ 0
Rainfall
0.43"
0.56"
- 0.13"
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 

 
Fall 2024 climate report for Tucson
4th warmest and 11th driest on record
Record number of triple-digit highs
Record number of daily record highs
 

The Fall outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson, issued on August 15th, favored above-normal seasonal mean temperatures (51% above vs 16% below) and below-normal total precipitation amounts (47% below vs 20% above).

 

The combination of the warmest September, the warmest October, and cooler-than-normal November produced the 4th warmest Fall season on record. The average Fall temperature of 75.0° is 2.7° above the 1991-2020 normal. The warmest Fall occurred in 2017 (76.5°). Temperature extremes for Fall ranged from a high of 108° on September 28th to a low of 34° on November 8th. New triple-digit heat records were established this past fall. There were a record 29 days with high temperatures of 100° or hotter (old record was 22 days from 2020) & a record 10 days with high temperatures of 105° or hotter (old record was 5 days from 1952). There were 23 daily record highs set or tied this past fall. This is a new fall record, breaking the old record of 19 daily record highs from 2020.

 

Rainfall amounts across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged from 0.30" to 1.50" with isolated spots up to 2.25". The highest rainfall amounts mostly occurred across the northwest side of the metro area, or from Marana to Oro Valley. The International airport, which is the official recording spot in Tucson, was on the dry side with just over a half an inch (0.55") being recorded. This ranks as the 11th driest Fall on record.

 
Fall 2024 stats
Season
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
89.8°
85.5°
+ 4.3°
Average low temperature
60.2°
59.1°
+ 1.1°
Average temperature
75.0°
72.3°
+ 2.7°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
29
9
+ 20
Days with highs 105° or hotter
10
1
+ 9
Rainfall
0.55"
2.55"
- 2.00"
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 

2024

The average yearly temperature through the end of November of 73.6° ranks as the 4th warmest on record, tied with 2016. The 11.52" of rain at the Tucson International Airport, the official location in Tucson, ranks as the 41st wettest January through November period on record.

 
2024 stats thru November
Year
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
87.5°
85.8°
+ 1.7°
Average low temperature
59.8°
58.9°
+ 0.9°
Average temperature
73.6°
72.4°
+ 1.2°
Days with highs 100° or hotter
112
68
+ 44
Days with highs 105° or hotter
48
26
+ 22
Days with highs 110° or hotter
6
2
+ 4
Days with lows 32° or colder
4
7
- 3
Days with lows 80° or warmer
23
11
+ 12
Rainfall
11.52"
9.65"
+ 1.87"
2024-25 Water year rainfall (Oct-Nov)
0.43"
1.23"
- 0.80"
Period of record: 130 years (1895-2024)
 

 
Looking ahead into December
The December outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors above-normal seasonal mean temperatures (56% above vs 11% below) and below-normal total precipitation amounts (43% below vs 24% above).
 
Normal monthly high temperature 65.5°
Normal monthly low temperature 40.5°
Normal monthly temperature 53.0°
Record high temperature 85° on December 1, 2021 (last of 5 occurrences)
Record low temperature 10° on December 14, 1901
Warmest December (avg.) 58.1° in 1980
Coldest December (avg.) 45.0° in 1911
Normal rainfall 0.96"
Wettest December day 2.15" on December 6, 1906
Wettest December 5.85" in 1914
Driest December 0.00" in 1981 (last of 6 occurrences)
Record December snowfall 6.8" in 1971 (8th)
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will decrease from 10 hours 11 minutes and 08 seconds on the 1st to 10 hours 4 minutes and 51 seconds on the 31st, a loss of 6 minutes and 17 seconds.
 
Looking ahead into Winter

The Winter outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson strongly favors above-normal seasonal mean temperatures (58% above vs 9% below) and below-normal total precipitation amounts (58% below vs 9% above).

 
Normal seasonal high temperature 67.0°
Normal seasonal low temperature 41.5°
Normal seasonal temperature 54.3°
Warmest Winter (avg.) 57.9° in 2017-2018
Coldest Winter (avg.) 46.9° in 1912-1913
Normal Winter rainfall 2.64"
Wettest Winter 9.78" in 1992-93
Driest Winter 0.01" in 2005-06
   
Astronomical winter will begin on December 21st at 2:19 AM MST when the sun reaches the southern most latitude part of the earth (23.4° south or the Tropic of Capricorn).
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

November 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

November 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

November 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media FALL recap

Fall 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December climate data across southeast Arizona

December climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter climate data across southeast Arizona

Winter climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona

 

December 2024 climate report for Tucson
Warmest and driest on record
Driest December since 1981
Most daily record highs set or tied since 1939
 
The main stories for December 2024 were 1) well above normal temperature for most of the month; 2) the most record high temperatures in December since 1939; 3) very low daily average surface dew point values for a few days; and 4) the little to no rain that fell thanks to La Nina-ish conditions in the equatorial Pacific. All of this combined to produce the warmest and driest December on record..
 

The well-above-normal temperatures that ended November continued through the first 9 days of December with highs in the lower 80s from the 1st through 3rd then in the 70s from the 4th through 9th. Low temperatures were mostly in the 40s. During this warm period, an area of low pressure aloft moving along the international border brought widely scattered sprinkles to very light showers to the area from the afternoon of the 5th to the afternoon of the 6th with rain totals mostly less than five-hundredths (<0.05") of an inch.

 

A dry cold front moved through the area on the 10th bringing the coldest air of the month. Highs on the 10th were only in the low 60s while the morning lows on the 11th were in the upper 20s to the lower 30s. Well above normal high temperature would return on the 12th and continue through the end of the month. Highs were in the 70s from the 12th through the 17th; the low 80s from the 18th through the 22nd, and 70s from the remainder of the month except for the 60s on the 26th. Tucson set or tied six daily record high temperatures in a nine-day span, from the 16th to the 24th,

 

The monthly average temperature of 59.5° is a whopping 6.5° ABOVE normal and ranks as the warmest December on record, shattering the old record by 1.4° (December 1980 @ 58.1°). Temperature extremes for the month ranged from a high of 83° on the 2nd and 21st to a low of 33° on the 11th. Although several spots in the metro area had a morning or two with freezing low temperatures, the airport officially didn't record any for the month. This is the second consecutive December the airport didn't record a 32° or colder low temperature.

 

Little to no rainfall was recorded across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gauges, and CoCoRaHS. The area that did see a little rain, mainly the northwest side of the metro area, had totals of less than five-hundredths of an inch with very isolated areas up to a tenth of an inch. The Tucson International Airport, the official recording spot in Tucson, recorded no rain. This is the first December since 1981 the airport didn't record any rain. Other past Decembers that didn't record any rain were 1901, 1907, 1917 & 1973. Normal December rainfall is 0.96".

 
December 2024 stats
Month
Normal
Departure
Average high temperature
75.5°
65.5°
+ 10.0°
Average low temperature
43.5°
40.5°
+ 3.0°
Average temperature
59.5°
53.0°
+ 6.5°
Rainfall
0.00"
0.96"
- 0.96"
2024-25 Water Year (Oct-Dec)
0.43"
2.19"
- 1.76"
Period of record: 131 years (1894-2024)
 

 

Looking ahead into January

A developing weak La Niña in the equatorial Pacific will be around to start 2025. The January outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for Tucson favors above-normal monthly mean temperatures (58% above vs. 9% below) and below-normal total precipitation amounts (59% below vs. 8% above).

 
Normal monthly high temperature 66.5°
Normal monthly low temperature 40.8°
Normal monthly temperature 53.6°
Record high temperature 88° on January 4, 1927
Record low temperature 6° on January 7, 1913
Warmest January (avg.) 59.1° in 2018
Coldest January (avg.) 41.2° in 1937
Normal rainfall 0.84"
Wettest January day 2.63" on January 19, 1916
Wettest January 4.81" in 1993
Driest January 0.00" in 1903, 1912, 1924, 1928 & 1972
Snowiest January 6.0" in 1898
Snowiest January day 4.3" on January 16, 1987
Daily normals | Daily records  
The number of daylight hours will increase from 10 hours 5 minutes 22 seconds on the 1st to 10 hours 38 minutes 47 seconds on the 31st, a gain of 33 minutes 25 seconds.
 
Glueck

Click on the images below for larger view.

Social Media monthly recap

December 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Temperature graph

December 2024 daily temperatures versus daily records and normals.

Precipitation graph

December 2024 daily precipitation versus daily records.

Monthly data in tabular form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January climate data across southeast Arizona

January climatic normals and outlook for southeast Arizona.

 

  2024 climate report for Tucson
  3rd warmest year on record
  58th wettest year on record
   
 

2024 will be remembered for the cooler-than-normal and wetter-than-normal first half of the year; another hot Summer; a wet first half and a dry second half to the Monsoon with this dryness continuing until the end of the year; and one of the warmest last five months of the year on record highlighted by a historic record run of setting high temperatures for a three-week period from late September to mid-October. Click on the monthly tabs above for the full individual monthly text reports or the images on the right for a quick monthly/yearly snapshot.

   
 
The 10 warmest years on record
Rank
Average yearly temperature
Year
1)
73.2°
2017
2) 72.5° 2020
3)
72.4°
2024
4T)
72.1°
2014
72.1°
2016
72.1°
2023
7)
71.9°
2021
8)
71.7°
2018
9)
71.5°
2015
10)
71.4°
1989
Normal yearly temperature (1991-2020): 70.6°
Period of record (1895-2024)
The streak of the yearly average temperature being above normal now stands at 26 straight years!
 
Comparing calendar periods for 2024
 
January 1 to July 31
Average temperature: 70.8°
0.6° above normal
16th warmest for period on record
Rainfall: 9.77" (+4.65")
3rd wettest for period on record
 
August 1 to December 31
Average temperature: 74.7°
3.3° above normal
T-2nd warmest for period on record
Rainfall: 1.75" (-3.74")
6th driest for period on record
 
 
  Imges with two table showing monthly and seasonal historical rankings for Tucson Arizona for 2024.
  Click on image for larger view
 

Here are some of the monthly temperature highlights during 2024. Click on the images on the right side for additional monthly information

  • January: Monthly mean temperature was 0.8° below normal.
  • February: Monthly mean temperature was 0.9° below normal.
  • March: Monthly mean temperature was 2.2° below normal. Third straight March that monthly mean temperature was below normal.
  • April: Monthly mean temperature was 0.8° below normal. High of 55° on the 1st was the coolest April high temperature since April 2011 and the 12th coolest April high on record.
  • May: Monthly mean temperature was 0.4° above normal. First 100° high of 2024 occurred on Memorial Day (27th).
  • June: Monthly mean temperature was 3.2° above normal. First 105° and 110° highs of 2024. Usually high surface dew points for June.
  • July: 3rd hottest "ANY" month on record. Monthly mean temperature was 3.4° above normal. Daily record highs set or tied on four days.
  • August: Monthly mean temperature was 2.1° above normal.
  • September: Monthly mean temperature was 3.8° above normal. New monthly warmest shattered the previous high by 1.1°. 3rd hottest September high temperature (108°) tied twice; on 27th & 28th. New monthly records for most 100°+ highs (16) & most 105°+ highs (6). Six straight record highs to close out the month.
  • October: Monthly mean temperature was 6.0° above normal. New monthly warmest shattered the previous high by 1.1°. Seventeen record highs were set or tied (11 in a row). Most record highs in a calendar month since 1910. Eight of the 10 hottest October high temperatures occurred during first 10 days of the month. New monthly record for most 100°+ highs (13).
  • November: Monthly mean temperature was 1.6° below normal.
  • December: Monthly mean temperature was 6.8° above normal. New monthly warmest shattered the previous high by 1.4°. No low temperatures of 32° or colder at the airport. Second December in a row for this to occur.

Rankings are based on 130 years of full calendar year data (1895-2024). Official site has been at the Intl Airport since 1948.

   
 

Notable calendar temperature highlights during 2024:

  • Most days with 100°+ high temperatures: 112 (old record was 108 days in 2020)
  • 4th most days with 105°+ high temperatures: 48 (record is 57 days in 2020)
  • 8th most days with 110°+ high temperatures: 6 (record is 18 days in 2023)
  • 3rd most days with 95°+ high temperatures: 148 (record is 155 days in 2020)
  • Most days with 70°+ low temperatures: 120 (old record was 116 days in 2014)
  • Most days with 75°+ low temperatures: 79 (old record was 75 days in 2020)
  • 3rd most days with 80°+ low temperatures: 23 (record is 35 days in 2020)
  • 3rd least days with 32° or colder low temperatures: 4 (record is 2 days in 1980)
  • Most consecutive days with no freezing low temperature: 254 days (old record was 251 days in 2014)
   
 
Month-by-month statistical recap for Tucson International airport
Click on individual month tabs above for the full climate report
Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Temp Rainfall
January 65.2° 40.5° 52.8° 1.77"
February 69.5° 44.7° 57.1° 1.39"
March 72.1° 47.3° 59.7° 1.25"
April 82.3° 52.4° 67.3° 0.88"
May 93.1° 61.3° 77.2° 0.00"
June 104.1° 74.5° 89.3° 1.07"
July 105.0° 78.3° 91.6° 3.41"
August 101.2° 76.9° 89.0° 1.20"
September 99.9° 73.2° 86.6° 0.12"
October 94.7° 62.5° 78.6° 0.00"
November 74.7° 45.0° 59.9° 0.43"
December 75.5° 43.5° 59.5° 0.00"
2024 86.4° 58.3° 72.4° 11.52"
1991-2020 normal 84.0° 57.3° 70.6° 10.61"
   
 

A total of 45 daily record temperatures were set or tied during 2024. The table below shows the breakdown for highs, warm lows & cool highs. For the fourth year in a row, no record low temperatures were set or tied. The yearly high temperature was 112° on July 18th while the yearly low temperature was 28° on January 9th.

   
 
Record highs set or tied
Date Record Previous Year(s)
June 7 109° 109° (tied) 1985
July 5 111° 111° (tied) 1983/1992/2018
July 8 112° 111° 1920 & 1994
July 9 111° 110° 1979
July 10 110° 109° 1934/1979/2021
September 25 105° 104° 1899
September 26 105° 104° 1899 & 2023
September 27 108° 103° 1989 & 1992
September 28 108° 103° 1994
September 29 104° 101° 1917/2000/2010
September 30 105° 104° 2010
October 1 105° 103° 2020
October 3 103° 102° 1993
October 4 106° 102° 2020
October 5 105° 101° 1917 & 2020
October 6 105° 101° 1928/1987/2023
October 7 104° 101° 1987 & 2020
October 8 103° 101° 1910
October 9 102° 100° 1996
October 10 101° 99° 1996
October 11 101° 99° 1936 & 1950
October 12 101° 99° 1992 & 1998
October 13 101° 99° 1998 & 2020
October 22 96° 96° (tied) 2016
October 23 99° 96° 2017
October 25 97° 95° 2014 & 2017
October 26 99° 96° 2001
October 27 98° 97° 2016
December 16 79° 79° (tied) 1939/1969/1980
December 18 82° 80° 1950 & 2023
December 19 82° 81° 1917
December 20 82° 80° 1921 & 2003
December 21 83° 80° 1917
December 24 79° 79° (tied) 1936

The 34 record highs set or tied is the 3rd highest yearly total since 1910. The 5 highest yearly totals are 42 in 1989; 41 in 1934; 34 in 2024; 33 in 2020 &; 31 in 2023.

Record warm lows set or tied
Date Record Previous Year(s)
February 26 61° 59° 1921
February 27 57° 64° 1905/1938/1968
August 10 83° 83° (tied) 1915
August 17 80° 80° (tied) 1951/2010/2020
September 6 86° 84° 2020
September 7 83° 81° 2019
September 8 80° 79° (tied) 1935/1979/2020
September 29 79° 76° 1992
October 1 73° 72° (tied) 1914/1997/2011
October 2 75° 74° 1997
 
Record cool high set
Date Record Previous Year(s)
April 1 55° 56° 1949
 
   
 
   
  RAINFALL for 2024
 

The first four months were wetter than normal as the area was still under the influence of a dissipating El Niño. The 5.29" of rain that was recorded during the first four months ranks as the 8th wettest on record to date. May was dry which continue through the first half of June before the annual monsoon started early (21st). The remainder of June saw above normal rainfall which continue through July. The 9.77" of rain that was recorded by the end of July ranked as the 3rd wettest on record to date. Then the spigot turned off for the remainder of the monsoon was below normal. This dryness continued for the remainder of the year with the 5-month total from August 1 to December 31 of 1.77" ranking as the 6th driest for the period. Definitely a tale of two halves rainfall wise for Tucson. Although La Nina hasn't official been announced, the atmosphere had an La Nina-ish look/pattern to It.

Rainfall totals across the metro area, using several sources like rainlog.org, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District gages and CoCoRaHS, ranged mostly between 7.00" to 12.50" with localized higher amounts up to 15". The International airport, the official site for Tucson, recorded 11.52" which is just below one inch above normal and ranks as the 58th wettest year on record.

   
 

Here are some of the monthly rainfall highlights during 2024:

  • January: 16th wettest with 1.77". Two daily rainfall records set.
  • February: 24th wettest with 1.39".
  • March: 24th wettest with 1.25". Wettest March since 1998 (1.64").
  • April: 12th wettest with 0.88". Wettest April since 2004 (1.05").
  • May: Driest (tied) with 0.00". 26th May with no rainfall at official site.
  • June: 10th wettest with 1.04".
  • July: 26th wettest with 3.41".
  • August: 33rd driest with 1.10". The majority of the monthly rain occurred in a span of 30 minutes at the airport on the 8th.
  • September: 17th driest with 0.12". Hydrological water year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) ended with 13.03" and ranking as 35th wettest.
  • October: Driest (tied) with 0.00". 1st October with no rain at the official site since 2017.
  • November: 60th driest with 0.43".
  • December: Driest (tied) with 0.00". 1st December with no rain at the official site since 1981.

Season highlights

  • Winter: 15th wettest with 4.63".
  • Spring: 18th wettest with 2.13".
  • Summer: 35th wettest with 5.68".
  • Monsoon: 61st wettest with 5.80".
  • Fall: 11th driest with 0.55"

Rankings are based on 130 years of full calendar year data (1895-2024). Official site has been at the Intl Airport since 1948.

 
 
 
Daily rainfall records set
Date Record Previous Year(s)
January 21 0.81" 0.40" 1982
January 23 0.60" 0.56" 1985
July 25 1.83" 1.50" 2021
Official site is Tucson International Airport
 
 
 

2024 rainfall amounts across eastern Pima county. Data courtesy of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District

  Click on image for larger view
 
   
  Drought
  The year started with either Moderate (D1) to Severe (D2) drought conditions across eastern Pima County. Thanks to a wet than normal winter, spring and first half of the monsoon, the area was drought-free from late April through late October. The very dry last four months of the year led to the introduction of abnormally dry (D0) conditions area wide in late November and Moderate (D1) drought conditions area wide by the end of the year. Below are comparison drought maps for the beginning of 2024 (left), summer (middle), and the end of 2024 (right).
   
  Drought maps from the start and end of 2024 Data courtesy of the United States Drought Monitor.
  Click on image for larger view
 
  Outlook for 2025
 

The 2025 outlook from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) for Tucson favors above-normal mean temperatures for most 2025. Thus expect the consecutive year streak of the yearly temperature being above-normal to be extended to 27 years. The precipitation outlook favors below-normal total precipitation amounts through spring, thanks to La Niña in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, then equal chances for below, near, or above-normal rainfall for the rest of the year. Drought conditions are expected to deteriorate during the first half of 2025 thanks the drier than normal forecast through Spring.

   
 
Temperature Precipitation
Climate Predition Center monthly temperature forecast for 2025 Climate Predition Center monthly temperature forecast for 2025
Click on CPC forecast temperature & precipitation images for larger view
 
 
Yearly normals & records  
Normal yearly high temperature 84.0°
Normal yearly low temperature 57.3°
Normal yearly temperature 70.6°
Record high temperature 117° on June 26, 1990
Record low temperature 6° on January 7, 1913
Warmest Year (avg.) 73.2° in 2017
Coldest Year (avg.) 65.0° in 1912
Normal rainfall 10.61"
Wettest day 3.93" on July 29, 1958
Wettest Year 24.17" in 1905
Driest Year 4.17" in 2020
   
  click image below for larger view
  Yearly climatic normals and records for southeast Arizona
   
  Glueck
   

Click on the images below for the year, monthly and seasonal snapshots!

2024

2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

January

January 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

February

February 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

March

March 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

April

April 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

May

May 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

June

June 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

July

July 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

August

August 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

September

September 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

October

October 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

November

November 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

December

December 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Winter 2023-2024

Winter 2023-24 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Spring

Spring 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Summer

Summer 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona

Fall

Fall 2024 climate recap for Tucson Arizona