As spring unfolds in Arizona, the state's weather has been relatively mild thus far. Throughout the month of March, Phoenix experienced fluctuating temperatures, dipping in and out of the 90s, yet residents may soon find themselves facing the first day of 100-degree heat far earlier than anticipated.

Indeed, it is only a matter of time before the oppressive triple-digit temperatures establish their grip on the region. Meteorologists have forecasted a continuation of the trend witnessed in recent years, where summer weather consistently brings above-average temperatures.

On April 2, the Old Farmer's Almanac, a long-standing authority on weather predictions in North America, released its much-anticipated long-range summer forecast. This detailed report not only covered expected seasonal rainfall patterns but also offered insights into how scorching the summer months could feel, boldly declaring, Its going to be a scorcher.

Arizona, along with several other states, has been designated as hot-dry on the Almanacs weather map, indicating extreme conditions ahead. The forecast outlines the expectation of summer in Arizona and across the United States, prompting questions about how residents should prepare for the heat.

The summer solstice in 2025 is set to occur on June 20, marking the official start of summer, which will last until September 22. As temperatures rise, the risks associated with extreme heat become increasingly evident, particularly in Arizona, where summer weather has proven deadly, and the conditions can often be more hazardous than those seen in regions prone to tornadoes.

Will this upcoming summer be characterized by standard heat or will it be exceptionally sweltering? Last year set a troubling precedent as Phoenix recorded its hottest temperatures to date. Research from the Old Farmer's Almanac indicates that Arizona is not likely to escape the grips of extreme heat in 2025. The forecast anticipates a gradual buildup to record-breaking temperatures starting in June. This suggests that while the season may kick off relatively normally, the months of July and August could see a surge in above-normal temperatures across much of the United States.

Aside from the Northwest and southern Florida, most regions can expect significantly warmer conditions. According to the Almanac, The Deep South and Desert Southwest will experience notably warmer temperatures, raising concerns about the impact on public health and daily life in these areas.

Regarding precipitation, the Old Farmers Almanac reported that Arizona will not see above-normal rainfall this summer. Rainfall is predicted to stay near or slightly below average, particularly affecting the western half of the country. Interestingly, states like Texas, Oklahoma, and the Great Plains are projected to endure the driest conditions in 2025. In contrast, states such as Illinois, southern Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, parts of New England, Ohio, Hawaii, and southern Florida are expected to receive higher-than-normal rainfall.

How does the Old Farmer's Almanac arrive at its forecasts? According to its official website, the Almanac bases its predictions on an intricate analysis of solar activity and weather patterns. The forecasting process incorporates a range of academic disciplines, including solar science, climatology, and meteorology. This methodology is a modern interpretation of a formula originally developed by the Almanac's founder, Robert B. Thomas, back in 1792.

But how accurate are these predictions? The Old Farmer's Almanac, which is distinct from the Farmers' Almanac, claims an impressive 80% accuracy rate for its weather forecasts. However, a recent report evaluating the winter forecasts for 2023-2024 revealed an overall accuracy rate of 64%. The publication attributed this drop in accuracy to "abnormal recent weather patterns," prompting questions about the reliability of long-term forecasts amidst changing climatic conditions.