Temporal Analysis of Long-Term Atmospheric Moisture Levels in Phoenix, Arizona

Abstract

Long-term monthly averaged dew point and relative humidity levels for Phoenix, Arizona are examined in this investigation. Dew points are generally unchanged over the 1896?1984 period of instrumental record; relative humidities have dropped sharply during the recent decades. Changes in local land use and a developing urban heat island are suggested causes of the observed patterns in the Phoenix atmospheric moisture levels.