Monsoon Summer Has Arrived!

It rained for about three minutes today.  It's going into nighttime and it still looks pretty ominous.  AND...I got my first ever photo of a bolt of lightening...eight monsoons (going into nine) in the making!!

Beginning in 2008, the monsoon period in Tucson extends from June 15 through September 30. Before 2008, the monsoon began after 3 consecutive days with the daily dew point over 54ºF.  (The dew point right now is 63ºF.) The increase in  dew point occurs when the prevailing winds shift from westerly to southwesterly, drawing moisture (mostly) from the Gulf of California but also from the Gulf of Mexico.

Days, like today, often begin clear and very warm, but as the heat of the day builds, large clouds develop and tower above, cooling the temperature somewhat (that's why July is cooler than June) but increasing the humidity.  These clouds may dump large quantities of rain in very short periods of time.

This is the time of year for wind and dust, flash floods and lightening.  Many wild fires are caused in the mountains by dry lightening strikes.

Back when the National Weather Service standardized the dates for the monsoon, they also wanted to change its name to "Severe Thunderstorm Season."  The public pitched a fit. The historic nature of the name and how it effects the psyche of the people...well, they backed down. So, until the scientists can figure out how to mess with the cowboys and Indians,  it will be the "monsoon" for some time to come.