The Sunny Truth About Tucson’s Weather
What Do We Mean By Sunshine?
How Many Days of Sunshine Does Tucson Get?
What About the Other 22% of the Year?
Why Does It Matter?
Conclusion
Tucson, Arizona, is a city many associate with sunshine and clear blue skies. From the deserts that surround the area to the sunny, mild winters, it’s no surprise that people are often curious to know exactly how many days of sunshine the city receives. In this article, we’ll explore the sunny truth about Tucson’s weather and answer the question – how many days of sunshine does Tucson, Arizona, get?
What Do We Mean By Sunshine?
Before we get into the numbers, let’s take a closer look at what we mean by sunshine. When people talk about sunshine, they’re typically referring to the number of days per year that the sun is visible in the sky. But when it comes to weather measurement, scientists use something called the Percent Possible Sunshine (PPS). This method measures the amount of time the sun is visible in the sky compared to how much sunlight would be expected if the sky were completely clear. The PPS is measured as a percentage, with 100% representing constant sunshine.
How Many Days of Sunshine Does Tucson Get?
Now, back to the question at hand. How many days of sunshine does Tucson get? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Tucson has an average of 286 days of sunshine per year. This means that Tucson residents can expect to see the sun shining in the sky for about 78% of the year. That’s a lot of sunshine! In comparison, the United States as a whole has an average of 205 sunny days per year, which is about 56% of the year.
What About the Other 22% of the Year?
But what about the other 22% of the year in Tucson? During the winter months, you can expect the sun to still shine, but not as frequently as in the summer. The winter months see an average of around 66% PPS, with January being the darkest month of the year. In fact, January sees an average of only 64% PPS. December and February are slightly better, with an average of 71% and 70% PPS, respectively.
During the summer months in Tucson, you can expect the sun to be shining bright for much of the day. The summer months see the highest amount of sunshine, with an average of around 90% PPS. In June, July, and August, the sun is visible for an average of 14 hours per day, which is significantly longer than in the winter months.
Why Does It Matter?
It’s important to note that the amount of sunshine can vary from day to day and year to year. Tucson’s weather is influenced by a variety of factors, including the location of the city, its elevation, and the surrounding terrain. Additionally, the amount of precipitation in a given year can also impact the amount of sunshine. Heavier clouds and rain can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground.
So, why does all of this matter? For one, knowing the amount of sunshine a city receives can help people plan outdoor activities or choose the best time of year to visit. Additionally, scientists and researchers use weather data like sunshine measurements to better understand climate patterns and the overall health of our planet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tucson is a sunny city, with an average of 286 days of sunshine per year. While the winter months may be slightly darker, the summer months more than make up for it with an abundance of sunshine. So, grab your sunglasses and enjoy the sunny skies of Tucson, Arizona!
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