As Alvin degenerates, remnants could bring unusual pre-monsoon rainfall over Desert Southwest
Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alvin will help increase humidity levels and eventually rain chances for cities such as Phoenix and Yuma, and potentially as far west as Las Vegas and Palm Springs, California.
Forecast models generally expect less than 0.25 inches of rainfall across southeast California, while parts of Arizona could see totals closer to half an inch.
Forecasters caution that rainfall amounts could be enhanced over higher terrain, where totals of up to an inch are possible, potentially leading to minor flooding in downstream areas.
An isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but the main impact will come from the unusual rainfall for this time of year.
Southwest Monsoon Season Is Here: What You Need To Know
According to National Weather Service historical data, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has only recorded measurable rainfall 38 times during the last week of May and the first week of June.
Rainfall during this period is even rarer in Yuma, which has only recorded measurable rain 11 times during the same window since the late 1800s.
The FOX Forecast Center stresses that the increased humidity and rainfall are not part of the annual monsoon, which typically begins around June 15 and lasts through Sept. 30.
Cities in the Southwest accumulate roughly half of their annual precipitation during the months of June, July, August and September, though amounts can vary significantly.
The monsoon pattern is closely linked to the status of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or what is commonly called the ENSO.
During La Niña events, the monsoon signal is typically more expansive and leads to heavier rainfall, while El Niño conditions can delay the start of the rainy season.
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The unusual early-season rainfall will bring major benefits, including reduced wildfire potential and cooler temperatures.
Highs during the second half of the weekend are expected to only reach the lower 90s, a significant drop from recent temperatures reaching 100-110 degrees.
Any relief is expected to be temporary, as a building heat dome late next week and into the second week of June could bring the hottest temperatures of the year so far.Original article source: As Alvin degenerates, remnants could bring unusual pre-monsoon rainfall over Desert Southwest
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