|
Above-normal precipitation for the last four months, averaged across the state, has brought significant relief from the drought. This year marked the first time in six years that Arizona had an above-average annual statewide precipitation. However, long-term moisture deficits remained, with groundwater and reservoir levels still well below seasonal norms.
As noted by the University of Arizona's Institute for the Study of Planet Earth
(Richard Brandt):
- Arizona-Nevada "money-for-water" deal -- Arizona and Nevada officials approved a deal in which Nevada may take up to 1.25 million acre-feet of Colorado River water from the Arizona allocation over the next 15 years. In exchange Nevada will pay Arizona $330 million (in installments) and will support Arizona's attempt to have senior priority restored to the water in the Central Arizona Project.
- Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) received 0.72 inch of rain on December 4-6. The mean December rainfall for Phoenix is 0.92 inch.
- From the Tucson National Weather Service Office: The mean annual high temperature (82.3 °F) in Tucson was below average for only the 5th time since 1980. Only 7.62 inches of precipitation was measured at Tucson International Airport, making 2004 the 11th driest year on record. 2001-2004 was the 3rd driest four-year period on record.
Drought-related precipitation information for Arizona stations can be found at the following web site of the Phoenix National Weather Service office:
|
NCDC /
Clim. Monitoring /
Climate-2004 /
Dec /
U.S. Regional Drought /
Search /
Help
