Meteorologists are bracing for what some are calling a "super El Niño," which could result in cooler temperatures and a wetter monsoon season for Arizona.

Why it matters: The Valley's been plagued by especially hot summers in recent years, and the region's been suffering through a massive drought for more than two decades.

State of play: El Niño conditions occur when surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are warmer than average.

• The National Weather Service characterizes increases of 1.5° to 2° Celsius a "strong" El Niño event and anything above as "very strong" or, as some refer to it, a "super El Niño."
• Current estimates predict a 60% chance of a strong El Niño and 15% to 20% of a very strong event, Ryan Worley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Phoenix office, told Axios.

The intrigue: El Niño events usually bring drier conditions, but the NWS' Climate Prediction Center is currently forecasting a wetter-than-normal monsoon season in Arizona due to increased storm activity in the eastern Pacific, per Worley.

• That could cool temperatures as well.
• The wetter and cooler weather could extend into early next year, Worley said.

Reality check: Predicting weather conditions so far out is difficult, he told us.

• "It's not a guarantee, unfortunately, but things look … at least more favorable than they have the past few years to see better rainfall across the state during the summer timeframe," Worley said.

Driving the news: The Climate Prediction Center last week said El Niño conditions are likely to emerge from May to July and persist through the end of the year.

• Conditions would likely peak during winter, Worley said.

Zoom out: A super El Niño wouldn't be as welcome everywhere as it would be here.

• National Geographic reported that the El Niño, which could be the strongest in at least a decade, "may spur punishing drought in some regions and severe storms in others, while also causing the Earth's temperature to rise."
• A strong event could break global heat records next year and lead to a "series of devastating effects," including "supercharged rainstorms" and droughts, per the Guardian.

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Gov. Katie Hobbs vowed to veto nearly all bills that come to her desk until GOP lawmakers show her a budget proposal.

Why it matters: Hobbs' threat could jump-start budget negotiations that she walked away from last month over how to spend more than $17 billion in state money next fiscal year.

Catch up quick: Hobbs ended budget talks, citing Republicans' refusal to negotiate with her on renewal of Proposition 123, a voter-approved education funding plan that expired last year.

• She said she'd suspend discussions until GOP leadership produced a budget plan.
• Hobbs spokesperson Christian Slater acknowledged that Republicans provided a budget proposal during negotiations in February, but told Axios the governor believes they should release their plan publicly.

What she's saying: "Arizonans deserve more than these political games," Hobbs said of Republican priorities. "They deserve a budget that cuts taxes for the middle class, funds our public schools and lowers costs for everyday Arizonans. I'm ready to negotiate."

The other side: Senate President Warren Petersen, in a statement to Axios, called the blanket veto threat an "unserious approach to governing."

• House Speaker Steve Montenegro said in a press statement that Hobbs quit budget negotiations "after it became clear her numbers did not add up," and called the moratorium "political theater" meant to distract from that.
• Legislative Republicans will release a new budget proposal in a few weeks, Senate GOP spokesperson Kim Quintero told Axios.

The latest: Hobbs signed and vetoed a slew of bills that were already on her desk Monday.

• She said her veto threat doesn't extend to two bills pertaining to death benefits for first responders and funding for the Department of Public Safety.

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🚦 Text messages alleging you were caught by one of Phoenix's new speed cameras are a scam, Phoenix police warns. Actual violators will be notified of tickets via snail mail. (KJZZ)

🏀 Devin Booker jerseys were one of the NBA's most popular this season — and don't forget to wear yours tonight as the Suns fight for a playoff spot against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tipoff is at 7pm. (Arizona Sports)

☕ Mexican coffee shop Caffenio opened a carryout-only location near Phoenix's Papago Park. The cafe debuted its first U.S. shop in Mesa last year. (AZcentral)

❄️ Arizona Snowbowl, which technically closed for the season last weekend, is re-opening for a final hurrah today and tomorrow thanks to a forecasted 8 inches of snow in Flagstaff. Lift tickets start at $1. (Arizona Snowbowl via Facebook)

If you owe state taxes (those are due tomorrow, btw) you have one more chance to direct your dollars to a local nonprofit.

Why it matters: You have to pay one way or another, and Phoenix charities are eager to put your money to work.

How it works: Arizona law allows donations made to qualified charity organizations through April 15 to be deducted from 2025 state taxes.

• The maximum credit is $495 for a single filer and $987 for couples filing jointly.
• Even filers using the standard deduction can get a partial write-off for charitable donations.

The bottom line: Peruse the long list of eligible charities and act quickly if you want your donation to help with tomorrow's tax deadline.