Record-breaking Drought: Arizona's Driest Monsoon Season in 126 Years

Phoenix, Arizona, has experienced its driest monsoon season on record, with only 0.15 inches of rainfall from June 15 to September 30, according to the National Weather Service. This is the lowest amount of rainfall since record-keeping began in 1895. The previous record was set in 1924 with 0.35 inches. Phoenix also experienced extreme heat this summer, with July being the hottest on record and a 31-day streak of temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The rising temperatures have led to an increase in heat-associated deaths, with Maricopa County on track to set an annual record. Scientists warn that climate change will continue to exacerbate heat waves in the future.