Key facts: Phoenix
- On September 8, 2014, the city set a one-day rainfall record of 3.29 inches, flooding freeways and neighborhoods.[1]
- Phoenix is dry until it isn't.
- Foam and tile roofs age quickly in the sun.
Monsoon water finds flat roofs
Foam and tile roofs age quickly in the sun. Summer storms then test every seam, so look for ceiling stains after each monsoon burst.
AC and plumbing leaks
Rooftop and attic units drain condensate all summer. A clogged line can soak a ceiling. Hard water also wears fittings over time.
Flood claims recorded in Maricopa County
Phoenix sits in Maricopa County. FEMA publishes every National Flood Insurance Program claim with personal details removed, which gives a plain record of where water has reached insured buildings here.
| Measure | Count |
|---|---|
| Flood insurance claims on record | 2,633 |
| Year with the most claims | 1978 (317) |
| Largest named event | Flooding (366) |
| Claims outside high-risk A and V zones | 45% |
| Claims on buildings built before 1975 | 59% |
County-wide counts of insured claims only. Uninsured losses, burst pipes and appliance leaks are not in this data.
What the Phoenix claim record shows
About 45% of claims with a recorded zone came from outside the high-risk A and V zones, so a moderate-risk label does not mean a Phoenix home stays dry.
If your Phoenix home is older, note that buildings from before 1975 make up 59% of county claims with a known build date. Many predate current flood maps, so inspect low outlets, ductwork and subfloors closely after any water event.
Federal disaster history for Maricopa County
FEMA lists 26 federal declarations covering Maricopa County. The most common types are fire (11), flood (9) and severe storm (3). The latest are Boulder View Fire in 2024, Rose Fire in 2024 and Diamond Fire in 2023. When a declaration is open, federal aid may be available to Phoenix residents, so ask about it alongside your insurance claim.
Phoenix weather and your home
Weather records for Phoenix from 2015 through 2024 average 11 inches of precipitation a year, and July and August are the wettest months. The area averages 1.8 days a year with an inch or more.
Freezing nights are rare, at about 3 a year in Phoenix, so the bigger concerns are storms, plumbing failures and humidity.
With about 171 days a year at 90°F or hotter, Phoenix air conditioners run hard, and a clogged condensate line can soak a ceiling without warning.
When rain falls in Phoenix
Seasonal averages for Phoenix, 2015 through 2024. Plan roof, gutter and sump pump checks before the wettest stretch.
| Season | Average | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | 3.5 in | 32% |
| April to June | 0.5 in | 4% |
| July to September | 4.2 in | 38% |
| October to December | 2.9 in | 26% |
Modeled from Open-Meteo historical weather data. Precipitation includes rain and melted snow.
Phoenix home checklist from these records
- Don't rely on recent quiet years. Only 12% of Maricopa County claims date from 2015 or later, so older floods still show what can happen.
- Check roof flashing and drains before July, the wettest month in Phoenix.
- Clear the air conditioner drain line before the 171 days of 90°F heat begin.
- Keep dated photos of each room. After Flooding, 366 insured Maricopa County owners filed claims at about the same time.
What to tell the Phoenix contractor
- Whether the leak began during a storm
- Whether the AC is overflowing
- Your roof type
Services Phoenix callers ask about
Questions
Phoenix water damage questions
Does Phoenix flood?
Yes. Monsoon storms can overwhelm streets and washes.
Do you cover Glendale?
Yes, Glendale, Peoria and Surprise are in our coverage data.