What is a Monsoon

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Every summer, Southern Arizona experiences a weather phenomenon known as monsoon season. From approximately June 15th to September 30th, monsoon season is marked by intense rain, lightning shows and thick dust storms.

While the rain provides a welcome relief from the usual summer heat, the high winds and thunderstorms that accompany this weather shift often create treacherous conditions. Dust storms and flash floods are prevalent during this time of year, making it exceedingly important to be prepared.

The word "monsoon" comes from the Arabic "mausim" which means "a season." 

Our monsoon is the most pronounced in southern Arizona and becomes more marginal over northern Arizona. Statistically, we consider it a "monsoon day" when the average daily dew point is 55 degrees or higher. This can easily be measured and give us a way of comparing one year to another.