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Part of the Contreras Fire burning near the Kitt Peak Nationla Observatory on June 16, 2022.

Contreras Fire listed as 100% contained

Local management team will hand over control Saturday.
Snow hangs in Colorado's Elk Mountains in May 2022. The Colorado River gets the majority of its water from high-altitude snowpack, and climate scientists say it's likely that less water than normal will make it into rivers and streams.

For this summer's water forecast, climate experts are looking back to winter

Snow is the key to water in Arizona and other the Colorado River Basin states.
Lake Mead outside Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as the Colorado River's largest reservoir and a key water source for Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico.

Forecasters expect drier, warmer winter in Southwest

Drought conditions are expected to continue or worsen across Arizona over the coming months.
This five day precipitation forecast map released by the National Weather Service on July 21, 2021 shows that much of the state's midsection is expected to get at least one inch of rainfall, with some areas receiving up to three inches, by Saturday night. Nearly all of the state is under a flash flood watch through 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

Flash flood watch through Saturday

NWS predicts 2006-style rainstorms into the weekend.
The sun shines harshly behind a saguaro cactus.

Low saguaro reproduction numbers at national park in Tucson

Drought cycle that dates to the mid-1990s thought to be responsible
The sun sets over Tucson in July 2020, which was the hottest July on record.

Tucson mayor asks community for help guiding climate action plan

A survey open through the end of March invites residents to prioritize actions city can take.
The view of the snowcapped Santa Catalina Mountains at Campbell Avenue and Skyline Drive in Tucson Jan. 25, 2020.

Winter storm could be 'most significant' of the season

Summerhaven sees 14 inches of snow, while an average two-tenths of rain fell on the Tucson Metro area Monday.
The sun sets over Tucson in July 2020, which was the hottest July on record.

Much of US Southwest left parched after monsoon season

Weather forecasters say the upcoming winter likely won't make up for the precipitation deficit.
A drought map of the West dated Aug. 28, 2018.

Study: Four Corners drought intensified by human-induced warming

A researcher said the drought showed what climate change is like "in the here and now."
Looking out on Boulder Basin, Lake Mead.

Climate change still threatens Colorado River after wet winter

Despite recent wet conditions, states still face a future with increasingly less water for farms and cities.
Conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe.

UA scientist analyzing how well farming techniques travel

The researcher asks why a conservation agriculture method used in North America hasn't caught on in Zimbabwe.
The sun rises over the Rincon Mountains in this view from Mt. Bigelow

More deadly temperatures in Arizona's future

Climate change will bring more extreme heat in the coming decades.
Rescue crews during 2017 flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Texas

UA storm watchers predict active hurricane season

Annual forecast model shows Atlantic conditions similar to dangerous 2017.
A truck hauls a load of dirt in the riverbed of the Santa Cruz where it's crossed by St. Mary's, May 16.

Tucson Riverbed Clearing Underway

The Santa Cruz and Rillito channels are being readied for monsoon rains.
The southern slope of Sentinel Peak, also known as "A Mountain," covered in buffelgrass.

Flowers and Fire: Rain a Double-Edged Sword in the Desert

While moisture can mean impressive wildflower blooms, recent rains are fueling invasive species that feed wildfires.
Raindrops fall in pooling water on a Tucson street.

Climatologist: Nothing Too Unusual About Arizona's Recent Weather

Residents of the state shouldn't be surprised about the precipitation, as it's basically where it should be.

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