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Lake Pleasant, north of Phoenix, is a major reservoir for Colorado River water. Each summer the lake is pumped down to send water to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties. July 2021

Water cutbacks coming to Arizona

A decades-long drought means less water from the Colorado River.
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.
Scorched saguaros and desert landscape from the Telegraph Fire that started June 4, 2021 and spread across areas of Pinal and Gila counties. June 2021.

Ducey left out of White House wildfire meeting

The White House kept Governor Ducey off the list to talk about wildfires
The Bureau of Land Management used prescribed burns across many of its properties for habitat improvement and to reduce the risk of severe wildfires.

Evacuation orders expand as wildfires continue to burn in Arizona

Hot weather and severe drought are driving an active fire season
Tucson city lights are visible at sunset from the Catalina Mountains.

Fear of wildfires forces forest closures across Arizona

Nearly all the national forests in the state will be fully closed this week as firefighting resources run thin and fire danger remains high
Chiricahua National Monument.

Chiricahua National Monument could get an upgrade

A bill moving through Congress would make the popular spot into a national park.

Southwest US states bake, wildfire threatens Arizona towns

Warnings remains in effect for excessive heat in Arizona and Nevada at least through the weekend.
The Bighorn Fire burns on Sunday, June 7, 2020 near Oro Valley, Arizona.

Legislature passes wildfire relief bill

Hundreds of millions of dollars will go to help fight wildfires and communities impacted by the fires.
The Arizona State Legislature in Phoenix.

Arizona lawmakers advance $100M fire fund in special session

Wednesday's committee votes came after hearing dire warnings from state wildfire officials.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Tucson was 117 degrees, in 1990.

Heat wave grips US West amid fear of a new, hotter normal

It's raising concerns that such extreme weather could become the new normal amid a decades-long drought.
The Bureau of Land Management used prescribed burns across many of its properties for habitat improvement and to reduce the risk of severe wildfires.

Some residents remain evacuated by rural Arizona wildfire

More than 1,000 firefighters have focused on protecting structures and maintaining containment lines
The bright sun sets behind some trees near Soleng Tom Elementary School on Tucson's east side.

Border officials warn of heat dangers in south Arizona

An excessive heat warning for many parts of southern and central Arizona is expected to begin Saturday
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey sits for an interview with Arizona 360 in his office at the Arizona Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021.

Governor tours Arizona fires, calls for special session

Ducey wants the Legislature to approve extra money to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need
John Farley, director of fire test operations at the Naval Research Laboratory, tests the effectiveness of aqueous film-forming foam by spraying it on a gasoline fire. The test took place at the laboratory in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Oct. 25, 2019.

AZ Delegation members urge DOD to act on Tucson contamination

Letter cites chemical plumes emanating from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Air National Guard installation at Tucson International Airport
The Bureau of Land Management used prescribed burns across many of its properties for habitat improvement and to reduce the risk of severe wildfires.

Arizona wildfires force more evacuations, highway closures

About 150 firefighters are battling the blaze that has been burning out of control across 53 square miles
From the "Good Food Finder" webpage: "Good food is all about taste and freshness. But choosing local means more than delicious and more nutritious food! Local food builds vibrant communities, supports farmers and food entrepreneurs, protects the environment, and fosters a robust local economy."

"Good Food Finder" wants to build roots between growers and consumers.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit a place in the desert with more than a century of aviation history; current Tucson Museum of Art exhibition "4 x 4" celebrates Willie J. Bonner; more entries by 5th graders from The NPR Student Podcast Challenge.

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