With All the Summer Rain, Is the Arizona’s Drought Finally Over?

I’ve really enjoyed this summer’s monsoon rains, and the last few days of Pacific storm activity have been a delightful change of pace. The air finally feels like we’re moving into the cooler days of fall.

With steady storms and extra moisture from Hurricane Polo over the past few days, Southeast Arizona got the soaking we’ve all been waiting for. It’s got me asking: Is this summer’s moisture enough? Is Arizona’s long drought finally behind us?

RELATED: Hurricane Polo Brings Tropical Moisture To Arizona This Week

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green trees and mountains under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

The Rain Has Made A Difference

The good news is the rain has made a difference. The U.S. Drought Monitor says heavy rainfall from this summer’s monsoon, combined with recent moisture from Hurricane Polo, has helped ease the drought. The storms made things much wetter than usual in the Desert Southwest, especially in southeastern Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources says drought conditions have gotten better in parts of southern Arizona this summer. The good news is that in Cochise County, more places are now considered free from short-term drought.

READ ALSO: What Water Life Looked Like In Arizona Over 100 Years Ago

a group of saguados stand next to a body of water

But Experts Say The Drought Is Not Over

Don’t go planting grass in your yard just yet. Even after all this rain, experts say the drought isn’t over yet.

The National Integrated Drought Information System says that while a good monsoon season can help with short-term drought, long-term problems don’t resolve in such a short time. Arizona’s reservoirs, groundwater, and rivers take much longer to recover from the ravages of the sustained drought we’ve seen over the last few years.

a large body of water surrounded by trees

State data indicates Arizona is still in a drought, and long-term drought still affects large areas. By late September, the U.S. Drought Monitor said over 60% of Arizona was still in drought categories.

READ ALSO: Xeriscaping and Water Harvesting to Save Water in Arizona

The Bottom Line

I’ve enjoyed listening to the rain on the roof this summer and seeing the landscape turn green makes me happy. I’m going to soak up the beauty for as long as I can, because climate experts say the rain has helped, but we're still in a drought.

woman in black tank top drinking water

Long-term water shortages will continue, and Arizona will need many more wet seasons to fully recover. So xeriscape your yard, turn off that hose, and let’s stay mindful of how we use water.