Hotter-Than-Normal Spring 2022 Predicted In Arizona: NOAA

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizonans can expect to experience a hotter-than-normal spring this year, along with most of the rest of the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's spring 2022 outlook.

The wetter-than-normal monsoon last summer helped to bring Arizona's most populous areas out of drought status, so Phoenix and Tucson areas are currently experiencing "abnormally dry" conditions. But both areas are expected to drop back into drought conditions during the spring — from April through June — NOAA predicted.

"Dry conditions will bring an elevated risk of wildfires across the Southwest and southern Plains and north to the Central Plains, especially when high winds are present," according to the NOAA. "Drought conditions in the Southwest are unlikely to improve until the late summer monsoon rainfall begins."

Dry conditions in the West are expected to bring elevated fire risks this spring, especially during times of high winds. In the West in general, water levels are expected to remain low.