Mid-May snow near Flagstaff, Ariz. (Photo by John J. Capuano III)
Despite an unseasonably cool Memorial Day weekend, temperatures have already crossed the 100-degree mark and longtime residents know that this is the start of the hot, dry summer season in the desert. Returning high temperatures and dry conditions will bake the region until the monsoon rains begin around early July.
Weather forecasters at The University of Arizona anticipate warmer than normal temperatures through the summer but there is no clear picture of what rainfall levels will be like.
La Niña conditions translated to below-average precipitation levels during the spring. During the past 30 days, rainfall in Arizona has been below normal.
Southeastern Arizona, especially Cochise County, and much of New Mexico remain abnormally dry. So, hot, dry conditions will strain air conditioners, and an abundance of fuels already are threatening forests.
The May Southwest Climate Outlook, published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest at The University of Arizona, has more information online at http://www.climas.arizona.edu/forecasts/swoutlook.html.
The publication includes a feature article, “Anticipating Summer Heat,” with tips on identifying and avoiding health problems caused by the hot weather.
Kristen Nelson
Institute for the Study of Planet Earth
520-622-9001