Phoenix Faces 80% Chance of Rain Before Halloween Night
Forecasters predict wet conditions Friday and Sunday, but dry spells are expected during Saturday afternoon trick-or-treating hours.
By Lucas Navarro ·
Metro Phoenix residents should expect wet weather over the Halloween weekend, with the National Weather Service forecasting an 80 percent chance of precipitation for the Valley on Friday, October 30. Showers and possible thunderstorms will likely bring a wet start to the holiday season, with total rainfall potentially reaching three-quarters of an inch in some locations. The NWS warns that heavier downpours could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Conditions are set to improve for those heading out to collect candy on Halloween evening. The agency forecasts a 20 percent chance of showers during the day on Saturday, October 31. Rain is unlikely to fall during the peak trick-or-treating window between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Temperatures during these hours are expected to reach the low-to-mid 70s, offering a comfortable environment for neighborhood gatherings.
Late-night revelers face a higher risk of getting wet. The probability of rain rises to 60 percent after 11 p.m. on Saturday. Showers are most likely to hit after that time, which may disrupt parties or late-night events that extend into the small hours. The wet weather is not expected to fully return until Sunday, November 1, when the chance of storms climbs back to 80 percent.
These local forecasts align with wider atmospheric patterns. El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean are currently strengthening, a development that often brings increased rainfall to Arizona. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials have noted that the current system is widely reported as potentially becoming one of the strongest on record.
Rain on Halloween is a rare event for the Valley. The last time Phoenix experienced precipitation on the holiday was in 1987, according to NWS records. That year saw 0.13 inches of rain fall across the area. For this weekend, the contrast between the heavy Friday downpours and the dry Saturday afternoon creates a specific window for outdoor activities before the rain returns for the following day.
