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Thu Mar 28, 2024

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Arizona Monsoon

The Arizona
Arizona(air-i'-ZON-u')

The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

Monsoon
Monsoon(mo'n-SOON)

A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

is a time during July, August, and September when the weather is unusually hot, humid, and windy. We receive more than 30% of our annual rainfall during this season.

The drastic change in weather is caused first by excessive heat in May and June, creating low pressures that "suck" moisture in from the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico beginning in July. This moisture forms storm clouds throughout the state, primarily in the south, and more mild moving north.

The official beginning of the monsoon
Monsoon(mo'n-SOON)

A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

is after three consecutive days having a dew point above 55 degrees. Any day during the season where the dew point is at 55 degrees is said to be a "monsoon
Monsoon(mo'n-SOON)

A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

day."

Typical weather to be expected during the monsoon
Monsoon(mo'n-SOON)

A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

is high winds causing dust storms (literally creating a "wall of dust"), electrical storms, and flash floods.

Dust Storms


The largest problem caused by dust storms is low visibility. When driving during a dust storm, which can come out of nowhere, it can be difficult to see the vehicle in front of you. If visibility becomes an issue, pull into a safe place, like a parking lot, and park until the dust clears. If at all possible, stay inside your vehicle with the windows rolled up. Dust in your eyes is not comfortable.

Electrical Storms


During electrical storms, it is advised to stay indoors or in a vehicle (non-convertible). If going indoors isn't possible, stay away from tall trees, poles, metal wiring, and metal fences. If in a wooded area, find small shrubs to stand near or under. For open areas, try to stay in low areas and valleys. If you feel your hair stand on end, that's an indication that lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to your knees and put your hands on your knees; don't lay down.

Flash Floods


Flash floods
Flash Floods(fla'sh flu'dz)

Because of the low rain and high heat, the desert floor is baked to a thick crust that has difficulty absorbing water. This makes drainage difficult, and causes flash floods. When rains start, especially heavy rains during the monsoon, it is typical for a completely dry area to become flooded in a matter of minutes.

are caused by the hard and baked desert floor being barely capable of absorbing water. With nowhere to go, water builds up quickly when it rains. Lower areas tend to flood quickly, and many are labeled with warning signs. In spite of the warnings, there is no shortage of footage on the evening news of vehicles trapped in water because the drivers failed to heed the signs' warnings.

In spite of the minor inconveniences of the monsoon
Monsoon(mo'n-SOON)

A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

, including the occasional power outage, the storms can be quite interesting to observe, especially for those new to Arizona
Arizona(air-i'-ZON-u')

The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

. But do so safely.



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