Mesa, part of the greater Phoenix metro area, shares the same Sonoran Desert climate, receiving only around 210 mm (about 8 inches) of rain a year split between gentle winter storms and the more dramatic summer North American Monsoon from July through September. Monsoon thunderstorms can build quickly over the surrounding desert and mountains, bringing intense lightning, dust storms, and flash flooding in the washes that cut through the metro area’s sprawling suburban terrain. Because a typical week outside monsoon season involves essentially no rain, radar becomes especially critical during the concentrated summer storm window here, much as it is across the wider Phoenix valley. NWS Doppler radar KIWA (Phoenix/Mesa) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map