Sat Dec 27 15:50:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Phoenix Enjoys Warmest Christmas on Record, But Pollution Advisory Issued

Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix residents enjoyed a surprisingly warm Christmas Day, tying for the fourth-warmest on record with a high of 74 degrees. Early morning rain cleared quickly, allowing for sunny skies throughout the afternoon.

However, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for tonight due to expected increased holiday burning. A No Burn Day is in effect through Thursday for Maricopa County, prohibiting the use of fireplaces, stoves, outdoor fire pits, leaf blowers, and off-road vehicles.

“With increased holiday burning expected, particle pollution levels could rise late tonight,” warned a department spokesperson.

Looking ahead, a low-pressure system off the California coast will bring increased cloud cover on Friday, with Valley highs remaining in the mid-70s. Isolated showers are possible across northern Arizona Friday night, with snow above 7,000 feet.

Temperatures will cool through the weekend, with Valley highs falling into the mid to upper 60s and morning lows dropping into the 40s by Sunday.

Another storm system is being monitored for potential impact around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Rainfall totals for the year remain above average, with 8.31 inches recorded at Sky Harbor, 1.25 inches above the average. Monsoon season rainfall was also slightly above average at 2.76 inches. Despite this, longer term averages are showing a drying trend in Phoenix, with both average yearly and monsoon season rainfall totals declining in recent decades.

Stay tuned for updates on the approaching New Year’s storm system.

Summary:

Phoenix experienced a warm Christmas Day after morning rain. A High Pollution Advisory and No Burn Day are in effect due to expected holiday burning. Temperatures will cool over the weekend after a cloudy Friday with possible showers in northern Arizona. Another storm is being monitored for New Year’s. Rainfall totals are currently above average, but long-term trends show a drying climate in Phoenix.

Read More