New Phoenix spring forecast released: What to expect

As they say, it’s a dry heat.

In a little more than a month, residents can expect traditional Phoenix weather as the Valley transitions from a cool winter into a warmer spring.

According to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, Phoenix’s weather will likely be dry and warm in the coming months.

In a seasonal temperature outlook map posted in mid-January, the Climate Prediction Center forecasted warmer temperatures and less-than-usual precipitation for Arizona entering spring.

According to the NWS, Arizona has a 50-60% likelihood of experiencing higher-than-average temperatures from March through May. months. There’s only a 16% likelihood of temperatures being cooler than average, according to NWS meteorologist Austin Jamison. Still, that doesn’t mean that cooldowns “for a few days or a week” are out of the picture.

“Odds favor warmer than normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for that three-month period,” Jamison said. “That doesn’t mean it’s the only possible outcome, but it’s the more likely one we take.”

Precipitation levels are expected to be low, continuing a trend after Phoenix nearly set a record dry streak in January. “It’s a lot less likely that it’s going to be above normal for precipitation,” Jamison said.

Spring training attendees could still see a rainout here and there – Jamison said the forecast “doesn’t mean you can’t get a big event” like a thunderstorm – but in general, spring will be parched.

Basically, after months of heat and rainless records, expect more of the same. If you’re hoping for a wet, cool spring, don’t hold your breath – or an umbrella.