By John Simpson
Warm and dry summed up November just like much of the year. This was also my opening line from last month as well. The Tucson airport reported the 4th warmest November since records began in the 1880s and only recorded 0.15” of rain, well below its 30-year average of 0.57”. At my place in central Del Lago, I recorded 0.41” of rain, which is below my 10-year average of 0.69.” November rainfall in the Vail area ranged from near 0 in Mescal to just over 0.4” from areas in Rancho Del Lago and the Rocking K area. See rainlog.org for rainfall amounts near your specific area. Much of southern Arizona is now in extreme drought conditions and the Tucson airport is heading for its driest year in history if December does not yield significant rainfall. In addition, due to La Nina weather conditions, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall the entire winter season. Let’s hope this does not come to pass and the lower deserts get substantial rainfall and the higher elevations get much needed snowfall. For next month, I will report on December and the sum up the entire year.
John Simpson has lived in southern Arizona the past 31 years and Vail for 15 of those years. John has a bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Missouri and a mster’s degree in Atmospheric Physics from the University of Arizona. He loves exploring the outdoors with his family and photographing weather and the beauty of southern Arizona.
