Arizona, 2020

Drought in Arizona, November 1 to 30, 2020

November 1 to 30, 2020 · NWS TWC · 14 events in 14 counties and zones

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 14 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
14

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS TWC wrote it up.

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County. |Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Oct 31, 2:22 PM MST, 9 hours 38 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Oct 31, 2:22 PM MST, 9 hours 38 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
222 PM MST Sat Oct 31 2020

.SYNOPSIS...High pressure will bring dry conditions with a strong
warming trend. This will push temperatures back to well above
average to end the month and take us through the first week of
November.

&&

.DISCUSSION...A weak low pressure system will remain off the
southern California coast as a ridge of high pressure aloft
strengthens over the region. High clouds associated with this weak
system will continue to spread across the area. Latest models showed
this system eventually moving inland around Monday and Tuesday with
more cloudiness and a slight chance of showers across western and
northern section of Arizona. Despite this cloudiness, high
temperatures will continue to warm with readings about 8 to 12
degrees above normal projected through much of next week.

&&

.AVIATION...Valid through 02/00Z.
SCT to occasionally BKN clouds AOB 20k ft through the period. SFC
winds increase on Sunday morning/afternoon from the southeast 11-16
kts, with gusts 25-30 kts for KTUS. Lighter winds expected at KOLS.
SFC winds will weaken by late afternoon and into Sunday evening.
Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Dry weather is expected through the upcoming week.
Temperatures remain above normal. Breezy east to southeast winds can
be expected on Sunday/Monday, with otherwise light wind trends.
Minimum RH values hover around 10-20 percent in the valleys, with 20-
30 percent at the higher elevations.

&&

.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None.

&&

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

14 drought. Local standard time, as filed.

Drought, Tohono O Odham Nation

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Tohono O Odham Nation forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.501, -111.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
31.812, -111.318 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Tucson Metro Area

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Tucson Metro Area forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.097, -111.790 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, South Central Pinal County

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
South Central Pinal County forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.904, -111.345 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Southeast Pinal County

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Southeast Pinal County forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.904, -111.345 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Upper San Pedro River Valley

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Upper San Pedro River Valley forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.109, -110.569 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Eastern Cochise County Below 5000 Feet

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Eastern Cochise County Below 5000 Feet forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
31.880, -109.751 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
33.074, -109.563 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
33.074, -109.563 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.572, -110.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Chiricahua Mountains

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Chiricahua Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
31.880, -109.751 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
31.834, -110.796 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.501, -111.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

Drought, Baboquivari Mountains

When
November 1, 12:00 AM MST to November 30, 11:59 PM MST
Where
Baboquivari Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Drought Monitor
Coordinates
32.097, -111.790 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The exceptional drought (D4) category, which began in eastern portions of Pima and Pinal counties and western Graham County in October, expanded across all of Graham and Greenlee counties, northern Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and central Pima County during November. The extreme drought (D3) category, which began in late August and expanded through October, expanded slightly into the Huachuca Mountains, and continued across the rest of southeast Arizona except for western Pima County.|Precipitation totals for the month, which fell in the form of valley rain and mountain snow primarily November 7-9, totaled 0.10 to 1 inch. The 0.15 inch of rain recorded at the Tucson Airport was the only measurable rainfall received during September, October and November, resulting in the 2nd driest autumn on record. November totals across southeast Arizona were 0.5 to 1.5 inches below normal for the month, and were not enough to keep drought conditions from further deteriorating. Soil moisture readings remained below the 5th percentile ranking in most areas, and below the 10th percentile ranking near the New Mexico state line. Levels at San Carlos Reservoir remained at less than 3 percent of storage capacity throughout the month.

What these are

Drought
A drought reaching severe (D2) or worse on the US Drought Monitor, or with notable impacts.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Arizona in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Arizona, November 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 925857, 926390, 926391, 926392, 926393, 926394, 926395, 926396, 926397, 926398, 926399, 926400, 926401, 926402.