After a notably wet weekend in the Green Valley and Tucson regions, the week continues with persistently cool morning temperatures. The National Weather Service Tucson reported that Friday’s rainfall at the Tucson International Airport shattered a century-old record. The recorded rainfall of 1.02 inches surpassed the previous record of 1.01 inches set in 1914.

Southern Arizona Soaked by Significant Rainfall

Numerous areas in Southern Arizona experienced substantial precipitation, exceeding an inch, while some spots received more than two inches during Friday’s storm. Notably, both the Green Valley and Sahuarita areas measured rainfall ranging from over an inch to well above two inches.

Individual reports from residents in Rancho Sahuarita indicated rainfall as high as 2.75 inches by Saturday morning, while a gauge in Green Valley registered 1.57 inches on Friday evening. These diverse local rainfall totals underline the significant variation across the region.

Snowfall in Elevated Locations

The storm system brought snowfall to higher elevations, including Mt. Lemmon, which accumulated approximately an inch of snow on Friday. Presently, lower areas of the mountain, like Summerhaven, have seen most of the snow melt, leaving less than an inch. However, the highest sections of the ridge might still retain one to two inches of snow.

Mount Wrightson, while anticipated to receive up to an inch of snow in higher elevations, lacks reported observations according to the NWS.

Temperature Variations on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, temperatures remained normal to below normal, with a high around 62 degrees. The historical record for Christmas Day weather indicates a high of 82 degrees in 1933 and a low of 21 degrees in 1903, contrasting with the typical low of 40 degrees.

Chilly Mornings and Moderate Weekend Highs

Green Valley experienced cold Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, with temperatures dipping into the low 30s. Wednesday’s temperatures are expected to hover near freezing or below 32 degrees.

Moving towards the weekend, highs are forecasted to remain in the 60s. Saturday is anticipated to be the warmest day, reaching around 71 degrees in Green Valley.

Weather Patterns and Notable Records

The recent weather patterns in Southern Arizona brought about unprecedented rainfall, breaking records set over a century ago. These events highlight the variability in local rainfall totals, emphasizing the need for accurate monitoring and reporting across the region. Additionally, while lower elevations saw snow quickly melt away, higher mountain areas retained significant snow cover.

Statistics and Historical Comparisons

• Record-breaking rainfall of 1.02 inches at Tucson International Airport surpassed the previous 1914 record of 1.01 inches.
• Variations in rainfall totals across the region: Green Valley and Sahuarita areas reported over an inch to well above two inches of rain.
• Temperature fluctuations: Christmas Day recorded a high of 62 degrees, diverging from the historical highs of 82 degrees in 1933 and a low of 21 degrees in 1903.

Forecast and Expected Trends

• Chilly mornings persist, with temperatures dipping into the low 30s in Green Valley.
• Weekend highs are anticipated to remain in the 60s, with Saturday expected to be the warmest day, reaching around 71 degrees.

Sources:

• National Weather Service Tucson
• Local rainfall observations
• Historical weather records
• Temperature forecasts