Rainfall boosts metro Phoenix's monsoon totals

Heavy thunderstorms swept through metro Phoenix on September 26, bringing over an inch of rain and large hail, significantly enhancing the area's monsoon totals. Sky Harbor International Airport recorded 1. 11 inches of rain, more than the 0. 91 inches measured since the monsoon season began on June 15. As a result, the cumulative rainfall reached 2.

02 inches, nearing the average monsoon total of 2. 43 inches. Flood watches remained in effect after the storms, with the National Weather Service predicting continued storm chances into the weekend. Rainfall totals varied dramatically across the metro area, with Central Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria receiving over an inch, while some gauges in Fountain Hills exceeded two inches. Residents in the far East Valley, however, reported minimal rainfall, with some areas recording less than a tenth of an inch.

The storms also produced hail up to 1. 5 inches, raising concerns about flooding and safety. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roadways and stay updated on weather alerts.