Sonoran Sky

July has been "Jekyll & Hyde." Rainfall totals at Sky Harbor International Airport are showing below-average rainfall totals for the monsoon so far. First Alert Meteorologists Pete Mangione and Royal Norman discuss why the Sky Harbor rain gauge is used when it often doesn't accurately depict how much rain the entire Valley gets. Plus, Arizona is seeing a string of extreme heat but the high humidity is the culprit for keeping our overnight lows in the mid-90s. Today's guests are Tom Frieders, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service and Dan Henz, Flood Warning Program Manager with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. They don't have any money in "predictive markets", but Pete, Royal, Tom, and Dan predict how the monsoon is going to go for the rest of the season. Will we see more Haboobs and how will the "Super" El Niño impact the monsoon in August and September?

First Alert Meteorologist Royal Norman discusses the so-called "Super El Niño," which is intensifying and is expected to boost the monsoon later this season. Also, Shel Winkley and Tom Di Liberto with Climate Central explain what "Marine Cloud Brightening" is and how this theory could bring ocean temps down. Plus, simple and proven ways to cool Arizona down that we can all start doing now. 

Arizona State University's data centers & heat study went viral when it was released in May 18, 2026. First Alert Meteorologist Royal Norman talks to study author David Sailor about how they got their findings driving around Phoenix neighborhoods. They also break down why data centers use so much heat and some possible solutions on how to use that heat for good. 

ASU Water Law Professor Rhett Larson tells First Alert Meteorologist Royal Norman how safe it is to drink treated wastewater and why Arizonans shouldn't panic about water issues. They also discuss how the Colorado Water Compact fell apart and why states are fighting over their supply. And, can Arizona benefit from desalination in San Diego? 

Doing the weather on TV might seem simple, but for students just starting out, it’s anything but. Marisa Ferger sits down with First Alert Meteorologist Pete Mangione to explain how mastering this craft takes dedication, practice, and plenty of hard work.

Arizona offers some of the most majestic lightning pictures in the world. But it is also important to stay safe when snapping those beautiful pictures. We talked with two experts, including an author who wrote a book about Arizona lightning.

Summer is just around the corner and before it gets too hot in Arizona, we are speaking with Josh Coddington of the Arizona Office of Tourism about some outdoor bucket list items you have to check out!

Play ball! We talk with Surprise Head Field Manager Eric Roberts about getting the baseball fields ready for Spring Training. He also gives us tips on how to keep your grass green in this desert climate.

Meteorologist April Warnecke and Sports Director Mark McClune chat with PGA Meteorologist Wade Stettner about his unique career and what it's like to forecast for the WM Phoenix Open. 

With the largest crowds on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open is known as the place to see and be seen, part party and part sporting event. But with those massive crowds, how did it become a zero-waste event? First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin goes in depth with David Brannon, the Four Corners VP of the tournament’s title sponsor WM, the environmental solutions company that has turned the event into the "Greenest Show on Grass.”