Climate of Arizona

The higher elevations of the state, running diagonally from the southeast to the northwest, average between 25 and 30 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) annually, while the desert southwest averages as low as three or four inches per year. The plateau country in the northeastern corner of the state receives approximately 10 inches of precipitation annually. Since vegetation in this area consists of sagebrush and native grasses, it is used primarily for grazing. Higher ridges here are covered with junipers and pinion trees.