Phoenix, Arizona – Water supplies and wildfire risk could come under increasing pressure across the Southwest as April begins with little to no meaningful rainfall in sight.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s March 19 outlook, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and California are strongly favored to see below-normal precipitation through April, signaling expanding drought conditions and limited storm activity.
Major corridors including I-10, I-40, and I-15 will remain dry but could see increased dust and reduced visibility during windy periods, especially across desert stretches in Arizona and southeastern California. Reservoir levels and snowpack in parts of the Sierra Nevada and southern Rockies may also decline faster than normal without sustained precipitation.
Temperatures are expected to trend above normal across the region, with the most significant warmth centered over Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. That combination of heat and dryness will accelerate evaporation and dry out vegetation, increasing early-season wildfire concerns.
Residents are urged to conserve water, avoid outdoor burning, and prepare for rising energy demand as temperatures climb.
This dry pattern is expected to persist through April, with little indication of widespread rain as additional updates and advisories remain likely.
