Tucson, in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, receives only around 300 mm (about 12 inches) of rain a year, split between gentler winter Pacific storm remnants and the more dramatic summer North American Monsoon from July through September. Monsoon storms here can build explosively over the surrounding mountain ranges in the afternoon, bringing intense lightning, dust storms, and flash flooding in the desert washes that define much of the region’s low-lying terrain. Because these storms can escalate from clear skies to severe within an hour, and because so much of the surrounding desert floods quickly when it does rain, radar tracking during monsoon season is a genuinely critical tool. NWS Doppler radar KEMX (Tucson) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Tucson right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Tucson, Arizona in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Tucson, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Tucson 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 Tucson?
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 Tucson or pass by.
Is this Tucson 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.