Phoenix sits in the Sonoran Desert and receives only around 200 mm (about 8 inches) of rain a year, one of the driest major cities in the country, split between winter Pacific storm remnants and the summer North American Monsoon from July through September. Monsoon thunderstorms are the more dramatic hazard: they can build explosively over the surrounding mountains and desert in the afternoon, bringing dust storms (haboobs), intense lightning, and flash flooding in washes that are bone-dry the rest of the year. Because these storms can go from clear skies to severe within an hour, and because so much of the metro area sits on flood-prone desert wash terrain, radar tracking during monsoon season is a genuinely critical tool. NWS Doppler radar KIWA (Phoenix/Mesa) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Phoenix right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Phoenix, Arizona in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Phoenix, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Phoenix rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Phoenix?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Arizona are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Phoenix or pass by.
Is this Phoenix rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.