Abnormally high January and February rainfall will certainly be the most remember meteorological feature of 1993. This rainfall led to extensive flooding along the Gila River and its tributaries, and delayed field preparation in many areas. However, once the winter rains ended, weather conditions proved very favorable for cotton production. Warm, dry spring weather helped get the cotton crop off to a good start. Moderate summer temperatures and a late monsoon provided excellent weather conditions for setting fruit. The relatively short monsoon period was followed by an extended period of mild, dry weather which provided excellent conditions for finishing the crop. The only blemish on the fall weather pattern was a period of heavy rainfall in mid - November which delayed field operations in much of central Arizona.

The 1994 cotton production season began with near optimal weather conditions. Temperatures and precipitation during planting and early vegetative growth were near optimal levels and were generally near normal. Summer brought an extended period of high day and night temperatures which began in June and continued through September at most locations. The period of high temperature associated with the monsoon (July and August) coincided with a rapid decline in fruit retention across much of the state. While the monsoon provided the usual rise in night temperature and humidity, summer rainfall was relatively light at most locations. Early fall weather was warm and dry, providing generally good conditions for finishing the crop. Weather conditions then cooled dramatically in the late fall prior to the onset of heavy rains in December. The wet December conditions limited post harvest field work in many locations.

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The 1995 cotton season proved to be one of the most challenging in marry years. Cold, dry spring weather delayed planting and forced many growers to replant a significant portion of their crop. The late crop then ran into extreme summer heat in July and August and very high August humidity. Daytime temperatures in excess of 120°F were reported in the low deserts in July and many locations reported extended periods with daytime temperatures above 1107. Poor fruit retention was a common grower observation as the summer heat continued The saving grace for 1995 proved to be warm and dry fall weather which assisted late season development and harvest operations.

Weather again presented significant challenges to Arizona cotton producers in 1996. Warm early season weather allowed most growers to plant earlier than normal and the 1996 crop moved through the first half of the season in excellent shape. The arrival of high monsoon humidity in early July combined with high July temperatures to create heat stress conditions which led to fruit shed at most central and western production areas. The stressful combination of humidity and temperature remained entrenched through much of July and August, creating generally poor fruiting conditions in both months. Monsoon activity continued through mid-September in many areas, then was followed by a month of generally good weather conditions for finishing the crop. Cool weather effectively ended the growing season after mid-October. The overall warm year produced seasonal heat unit accumulation well in excess of normal. Precipitation was generally well below normal, especially along the Colorado River.

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