Phoenix Halloween Weekend Forecast: Rain Likely Friday and Sunday

Residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for rain during the Halloween weekend, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. The weather service predicts an 80 percent chance of precipitation on Friday, October 30, with showers and potential thunderstorms affecting the region.

The storms could deliver up to three-quarters of an inch of rain to the Valley by the end of the day. Some locations may experience heavier downpours, and the NWS notes that flooding is possible during this period. Because of these conditions, indoor activities such as haunted attractions or parties may be a safer option for Friday evening events.

Saturday, October 31, offers a drier window for traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating. The forecast calls for only a 20 percent chance of showers during the day. Rain is unlikely during the peak hours between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach the low-to-mid 70s Fahrenheit. However, late-night activities face a higher risk of wet conditions, with a 60 percent chance of rain occurring after 11 p.m.

The rain returns on Sunday, November 1, when the chance of storms rises back to 80 percent. This weekend's precipitation occurs while El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean are strengthening. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials have reported that the developing El Niño may become one of the strongest on record, which could increase rainfall in Arizona in the coming weeks.

Halloween in Phoenix is rarely wet. The last time the Valley recorded rain on October 31 was in 1987, when 0.13 inches fell, according to historical data from the National Weather Service. This makes the current Saturday forecast for dry weather during the evening hours a notable departure from recent trends, though the surrounding days remain wet.