Could you tell me about monsoons? (Phoenix, Pinon: tornado, hotel, travel)

[Finger Laker]

and the flash flooding

it's kind of like our equivalent to a winter storm system - some are more severe than others

you just might get some clouds and lighting - you may get a dust storm, lightning damage, fires and flooding

[fcorrales80]

I'll tell you about the monsoon, on a rare occasion, sometimes one summer will be much more active than another, a wall of dust will engulf the city, followed by more wind. Then there are times that heavy brief sheets of rain fall upon the desert, turning dry washes, streams, and the like into rushing rivers. The monsoom season is a very important time for the desert as much of the plant and animal life in the desert receives life giving water. It's called a monsoon season because of the swifting wind patterns that bring moisture and some humidity in from the Gulf of California. Most of the year, wind and weather patterns move into Arizona from the West or North...during this time of year the pattern is from the South or East and makes a huge difference in the desert more so than any other place in the country. Thats why its a big deal.

[azriverfan]

Monsoons are a welcome occurrence. It seems like the number of monsoons has dwindled in recent summers. They usually last anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours it seems. It's usually just a massive downpour that cools down the weather instantly. The problem is the next day can be a little humid but then its back to normal. Occassionally, the winds associated with the monsoons can be strong and cause property damage but that's extremely rare. Usually you will see tree brush on the side of the road.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by Sco

The monsoon is nothing but hype, the rest of the country calls them thunderstorms and doesn't act like they just saw one of the four horseman of the apocalypse when it happens.

The sky will get cloudy, the wind speed will increase and water will fall from the sky for an hour or so most afternoons. No big deal.

Aw, don't ruin it for me, I love monsoons and I have been here a long time so yes, it is a big deal. We all run out and dance in what ever water the Gods of the monsoon choose to send us each year. It's a glorious event and if your here long enough, you will run out side and look in wonder at the rain. You will forget what storm clouds look like and wonder at the sight of them as you drive home. It's a very spiritual time. A true sign of a "Desert Rat" is the excitment of the coming monsoon.

I remember a post from a new comer one time and he asked why do people in Phoenix run out side during a thunderstorm when people from other states run in side, this said it all, you know your from Phoenix when:

[HX_Guy]

Haha that is so true. I love rain and we get it so rarely that when it does rain, I usually open the front door and just lean up against it and watch/listen to the rain.

It's true thought that the monsoons used to be a lot more active. Back in the early 90s I remember having storms that would blow the tiles/shingles off people's houses and cause all kinds of damage...I don't remember seeing that recently. It used to also seem like it would rain/be cloudy for a few days in a row where now it's just seems like an afternoon here and there. You can even see if if you watch the news weather radar maps...the rain heads toward Phoenix, then sort of breaks up and goes around the city. I'm guessing it has to do with Phoenix being so much hotter at nights then it used to be, the ground just radiates heat all the time.

[YAZ]

Sure is a wild time to be in The Valley of the Sun.

Until last summer, I've never seen it rain mud.

We enjoy sitting on the patio with an adult beverage; watching the storm come in.

Funny thing though, it seems folks out here forgot how to drive in the rain.

Enjoy the weather patterns, and remember:

About 50% of our annual rainfall happens during the monsoon season.

[HX_Guy]

Actually, on average, we get 2.77" of rain during the monsoon season, which is about 1/3 of the yearly average rainfall.

Here is a website with a lot of information on monsoon rainfall in the past:

National Weather Service - NWS Tucson

In the last 10 years, we've had 7 years of below average and 3 years of above average monsoon rainfall. 1998, 1999, and 2006 were pretty good years.

If you look back over the years though, especially back in the mid 60s- mid 70s, the rain was much better. Also, looking at the years...it seemed like we would get 1-2 years at most with below average rain before we had a couple years of good rain. In the past 8 years, 7 have been very below average and only 1 has been above.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by kel9798

I will be moving to Casa Grande in about 2 and half weeks (17 days to be exact) But whose counting lol! Anyway, I have heard a lot about the monsoons. All I know is that it down pours, but I have some questions about it. When is monsoon season? How long does a monsoon last? Is it only in certain parts of Arizona or the whole state? Is it just like a big storm that blows in for a few hours or is it days of rain?
If anyone has any infor to share with me I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Usually it starts with wind and dust and then thunder and lightening and maybe a brief down pour if anything at all. I hate them because of the wind and the lightening. They scare me

[roundball]

Originally Posted by nitram

Aaah, but that mile high fast moving dust storm blinding drivers along the freeway crashing into each other, trees toppling over, electrical wires knocked down, streets flooding, hmm big deal, huh

A cool picture of a haboob.

[locoenlacabeza]

Monsoon actually refers to the shift in the wind not the thunderstorms that it brings but as a Zonie, its usually our favorite time of year!!
The thunderstorms of late aren't really the grandure that I remember as a child but they are still something I get excited about.

The monsoons affect the whole state, but the valley tends to be one of the most humid. In Northern AZ, the humidity hits but feels less after the storm because the temp has dropped after the rain and cooled it off. People tend to notice the humidity less when its a bit cooler.

And like another poster said its technically monsoon season when the dew point stays at a certain degree for 3 consistant days but most around here consider monsoon season to be july 4th to labor day.

I have seen awesome storms in this state, and the best by far have to be in the valley but my other fave parts are the Grand Canyon and near Holbrook!