What happened
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tucson has posted its 2026 monthly and seasonal reviews, and this year set several marks.
The heat started early. Tucson hit 100 degrees on March 19, the earliest triple-digit day on record. That beat the old mark of April 11, set in 2025, by about three weeks. Summer itself (June through August) ranked as the 6th hottest on record, helped by the 5th hottest August. The NWS counted 70 days at 100 degrees or above, 34 days at 105 or above, and one day at 110, which came on August 1. The next morning the low only fell to 86 degrees, a new record for the warmest low in Tucson in August.
The monsoon was close to average overall. The NWS says it started on June 14, the earliest start on record. Through the end of September, Tucson International Airport recorded 5.76 inches of rain, just 0.07 inch above normal, which ranks as the 63rd wettest monsoon. That was a big change from 2025, when the season brought only 2.82 inches, as the Arizona Daily Star reported.
What this means for your pool
- Pools are in use for more of the year. With triple digits arriving in March, the swim season in Tucson keeps getting longer. That is good news for anyone weighing a pool, and it also means more months of pump run time and chemistry checks.
- Hot water needs more attention. Warm water and strong sun burn off chlorine faster and help algae grow. During long hot stretches, test more often and keep the pump running enough to circulate the whole pool each day.
- Warm nights mean warm water. When lows stay in the 80s, the pool has little chance to cool off. Shade and a water feature can make the pool more comfortable on the hottest days, and a light-colored deck stays cooler underfoot. Our water features guide covers options.
- Monsoon storms bring dust, debris and extra water. After a storm, clear the baskets, brush and vacuum, and test the water. Good deck drainage keeps runoff and mud out of the pool.
- Cooler months are coming. Now that the heat has eased, it is a good time to think about heating so you can keep swimming. Our pool heating guide compares heat pumps, gas and solar.
Planning a pool?
Fall and winter are a popular time to design and build so the pool is ready when the heat returns, which lately has been as early as March. We design in 3D with VR walk-throughs so you can see shade, sun and deck layout before we dig. Start with our custom pool construction page or call us at (520) 342-8335.
Source: National Weather Service Tucson
Put this story to work
Planning your own project? See our Pool Decks: Travertine & Pavers in Tucson.
Questions pool owners are asking
How hot was summer 2026 in Tucson?
The National Weather Service in Tucson ranked June through August 2026 as the 6th hottest summer on record. The airport logged 70 days at 100 degrees or hotter, 34 days at 105 or hotter and one day at 110.
How much rain did Tucson get during the 2026 monsoon?
The official gauge at Tucson International Airport recorded 5.76 inches, which the NWS says was 0.07 inch above normal and the 63rd wettest monsoon on record.
What should I do with my pool after a monsoon storm?
Empty the skimmer and pump baskets, brush and vacuum debris, check the water level and test the chemistry, since rain and dust can throw it off quickly. If the water rose a lot, lower it to the normal level the way your local rules allow.
This is our summary and commentary. Read the original story at National Weather Service Tucson.