National Weather Service

Several northern Arizona communities received record fall rainfall after a dry winter and weak monsoon, boosting water levels but raising future wildfire risk.

The seasonal outlook from the National Weather Service shows a wetter-than-average summer across northern Arizona and the state.

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff will release avalanche reports for the first time to increase awareness and public safety.

Flagstaff, Prescott, Winslow, Page, Show Low and Seligman all saw their average daily temperature increase by at least half a degree from June 1 through August 31.

The National Weather Service says the months of June and July were some of the hottest on record for much of northern Arizona.

Northern Arizona receives about half of its annual precipitation during the monsoon season. Forecasters say this one is packing a punch so far.

Parts of Arizona are expected to bake this week as the season's first heat wave arrives.

The National Weather Service warns this year's monsoon season will likely be dry and hot again with multiple northern Arizona cities already projected to see below-normal precipitation.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected for areas north of the Mogollon Rim including the Little Colorado River Valley and Navajo Nation, as well as the mountains of Yavapai County and Oak Creek/Sycamore Canyons.

Much of northern Arizona can expect to see snow and high winds in the coming days.