Phoenix residents beat rare Halloween rain to collect candy
Meteorologist Pete Mangione confirmed the downpour marks only the 12th recorded instance of Halloween precipitation in the city's 131-year history.
By Lucia Orlov ·
Residents of the Phoenix Valley rushed to distribute and collect candy on Halloween night as a rare storm system moved through the region. Families in north Phoenix left their homes earlier than usual to complete their rounds before the weather intensified. One participant explained the early departure by stating, “We are just out here early because we are afraid it’s going to start pouring.”
The precipitation had not affected the area on this date in over a century. First Alert Meteorologist Pete Mangione verified that tonight represents the 12th time rain has fallen on Halloween in Phoenix during the previous 131 years. Many residents had never witnessed the phenomenon before. One trick-or-treater noted, “I’ve never seen rain on Halloween before.”
Some households adjusted their routines to protect their appearance or comfort. One resident left early to preserve spray paint in their hair, while another welcomed the moisture to cool down a hot costume. Despite the drizzle, participants maintained a festive outlook, with one describing the conditions as feeling “extra spooky.”
Homeowners facing the rain expressed mixed reactions to the damp conditions. Some felt the weather threatened their annual tradition. Jennifer stated, “I’m not happy. I love the rain, any other day. I love the rain. Not on Halloween, not tonight! It’s my night to shine!” Barbara voiced concern about whether visitors would arrive to claim the treats, asking, “Do I open up the candy? Or is it going back to Costco tomorrow?”
The uncertainty hung over the evening as families weighed the risk of getting wet against the goal of finishing their route. Nancy Soyka expressed frustration over the potential waste of supplies, saying, “I’m pretty bummed. I’m going to have five bags of candy that I’m going to have to eat myself.”
The storm created a short window for the tradition, forcing both givers and receivers to manage their time carefully. The meteorological event remained a distinct anomaly in the local climate record, prompting residents to document the unusual night.
Source: KTVK
