Phoenix, AZ – Arizona residents woke up to record-breaking warmth Wednesday morning as unusually high overnight temperatures shattered December records across parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Phoenix.
According to the NWS, persistent cloud cover and descending air associated with overnight rain prevented temperatures from cooling, leading to new record warm low temperatures at multiple climate sites early Wednesday, December 24.
In Phoenix, the low temperature only dropped to 63°F, breaking the previous December warm low record of 61°F set on December 1, 2017. The normal low for this time of year is 44°F, highlighting the unusual nature of the event.
Further west, Yuma recorded a low of 60°F, surpassing its previous record of 58°F set in 1946, while El Centro, California reached 57°F, breaking a long-standing record of 54°F, also from 1946. Normal lows in these areas typically range from the mid-40s.
Meteorologists say the warm overnight conditions were driven by thick cloud cover trapping heat near the surface, combined with atmospheric compression during periods of rainfall. These factors limited radiational cooling, a key process that usually allows desert temperatures to fall sharply overnight.
The National Weather Service noted that temperatures remained elevated through at least 8 a.m. MST, and while cooler air is expected later this week, residents should expect continued temperature swings typical of active winter storm patterns.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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