Hurricane Polo’s Impact on Sierra Vista and Cochise County

This year’s monsoon has been pleasant. The season officially ends on September 30, and so far, Sierra Vista has gotten about 8.66 inches of rain, according to dispatchtimes.com.

This amount is close to what we usually expect for Sierra Vista’s monsoon season, based on long-term averages from the University of Arizona.

a lightning bolt striking across a dark sky

This year, Sierra Vista reached about 97% of its normal monsoon rainfall, coming very close to the historical average.

After a few days of clear, sunny skies, the weather has changed again. Now it’s colder and cloudier, and we can expect some strong winds along with the moisture.

Today’s rain comes from tropical moisture brought by Hurricane Polo, which is moving into Baja California and sending moisture north toward Arizona. Yale Climate Connections reports there’s a good chance of widespread rain and thunderstorms.

Get our free mobile app

Hurricane Polo Brings Southeastern Arizona Rain

Hurricane Polo could bring rain, thunderstorms, and some localized flooding to our area. If you’ve experienced hurricanes on the East Coast, it’s worth noting that storms here in the West are different.

Arizona will see rain and wind, mostly from tropical moisture moving north into the Southwest. There will be less damaging wind and more rain, which could lead to flooding.

READ: Discover the Amazing Biodiversity of Arizona’s Sky Islands

green grass and trees on brown sand

Why Is Arizona Getting Rain Right Now?

This kind of weather isn’t unusual in Arizona, especially near the end of monsoon season. According to weather.gov, Arizona often receives heavy rain from the remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms that form in the eastern Pacific and move along Mexico’s coast.

green grass field under white clouds during daytime

What to Expect in Southeastern Arizona

Forecasters say Cochise County and nearby areas can expect periods of rain and thunderstorms today and tomorrow.

They also say these storms could “produce brief heavy downpours, especially in higher elevations and near mountain ranges such as the Huachucas.”

READ: How The Huachuca Mountains Change With The Seasons

a yellow flood sign sitting on the side of a road

Be careful in areas prone to flooding, and never drive into flooded roads. “Areas with poor drainage, washes, and low-water crossings could experience localized flooding if heavier rainfall develops,” weather.gov cautions.