Phoenix, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Phoenix experienced severe monsoon thunderstorms that caused significant travel disruptions and local event cancellations. Heavy rainfall of 1.11 inches was recorded, resulting in flood watches and multiple rescues. The storms prompted the closure of the Arizona State Fair and the cancellation of several high school football games. Flight delays occurred at Phoenix Sky Harbor due to ground stops issued by the FAA as the storms persisted, leading to further transportation challenges. As the rains continue, residents are advised to remain cautious of rapidly changing conditions.
Phoenix experienced severe monsoon thunderstorms on Friday, September 26, 2025, leading to significant travel disruptions and the closure of local events. Heavy rainfall began in the morning and caused flooding in various areas, prompting the Arizona State Fair to close for the day and cancellations of several scheduled high school football games.
With a recorded rainfall of 1.11 inches at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport by 1:55 p.m., the storm produced more precipitation than the entire season’s accumulation prior to this unanticipated weather event. Due to the rainfall, the total season-to-date rainfall reached 2.02 inches, just days before the monsoon season’s conclusion on September 30.
The Arizona State Fair announced free admission tickets for any day until October 26, redeemable from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Other local event disruptions included the cancellation of the high school football game between ALA West Foothills and Arcadia High School around 3:30 p.m. However, many other games scheduled for later that evening were still able to proceed.
Meanwhile, Arizona State University’s football team was set to play TCU in a nationally televised game at 6 p.m., although the related Sparky’s Tailgate event was canceled due to the storms. The rainfall resulted in partial flooding on the freeways, impacting transportation as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented ground stops at both Phoenix and Las Vegas airports, contributing to significant flight delays at Sky Harbor.
Along with the heavy rain, large hail stones ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches were reported across the Valley, while lightning continued to pose further dangers throughout the afternoon. Various locations across the metro area experienced varied rainfall totals, as Fountain Hills received over 2 inches, while parts of the East Valley saw less than a tenth of an inch.
Emergency Responses and Weather Warnings
First responders were dispatched throughout the day to assist with multiple water rescues caused by the flooding. A flood watch remained in effect until 11 p.m. on Friday, and meteorologists advised the public to remain cautious of quickly evolving flash flooding conditions, encouraging avoidance of hazardous roadways.
As the severe weather persisted, forecasts predicted continued rain and storm chances over the weekend, with high temperatures in Phoenix expected to remain below average, hovering around 90 degrees.
Conclusion
This series of storms represents a late-season weather rush driven by a strong low-pressure system positioned off the Southern California coast. While many places in Phoenix accumulated large amounts of rain quickly—over 1 inch in less than an hour—the situation remained manageable overall, with no major damages reported despite the unusual rainfall events.
FAQ Section
What caused the severe storms in Phoenix?
The storms resulted from a strong low-pressure system off the Southern California coast, contributing to late-season monsoon conditions.
What was the total rainfall recorded?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded 1.11 inches of rain on Friday, bringing the total season-to-date rainfall to 2.02 inches.
Were any major events canceled due to the storms?
Yes, the Arizona State Fair was closed for the day, and a high school football game was canceled. However, many other evening games were still scheduled to occur.
How did the storms affect air travel?
Flight delays were significant at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to ground stops issued by the FAA, which also affected flights in Las Vegas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Arizona Central: Rain Chances Increase in Phoenix
- AZ Family: Friday Night Events Impacted by Monsoon Storm
- Fox Weather: Arizona and Nevada Weather Alert
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Weather Forecast
- KTAR: Thunderstorms and Flooding in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- Google Search: Phoenix Weather
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Flooding September 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Google News: Phoenix Monsoon Storm
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
