Fall In Tucson May Be Hotter And Drier Than Normal

TUCSON, AZ — The first day of fall on Wednesday hit Tucson with a high of 96 degrees. That's slightly above normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.

That could be an omen for what's to come this fall in the Tucson area. There's a significant chance that this fall could be warmer than normal, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its updated predictions.

Its climatologists say that there's also a moderate chance of drier-than-normal conditions in Tucson this fall as well, following an incredibly active Monsoon that brought ample rainfall to the area. The Monsoon officially ends next week, Sept. 30. Tucson experienced its wettest July on record this summer and through the end of August had received 13.5 inches of rain so far this year. That's more than four inches above normal for that time period in Tucson.

The weather service predicted a high Thursday of 90 degrees with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday evening.
This weekend Tucson should see highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid-to-upper 60s, the weather service predicted. There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend, with the biggest chance on Sunday morning.