Arizona Monsoon Season.

There's No Telling Where Lightning Will Strike.

Looking For Spectacular Sights And Sounds? Check Out An Arizona Monsoon!

Normally the monsoon season in Phoenix starts mid July and ends at the beginning of September. During that time torrential downpours, high winds, and dazzling lightning displays, provide excellent reasons for residents to sit out on their covered patios and watch the show!

Rain in the desert is a rare occurrence. However there are some exceptions. In the winter of 2005 or 2006 it seemed to rain almost every single day and it came down hard throughout each day. This went on for months and I was beginning to feel that I was living in New England again with the exception that it was much warmer. The following spring, wild flowers, and plants of all kinds gave thanks by displaying vibrant colors and lush green foliage.

Since rainfall is limited in the desert and sunshine can be the norm for several months in a row, many people take advantage of the monsoons by going outside and enjoying the cool, refreshing rain. Monsoons usually develop in the late afternoon or evening after a hot, 'humid' day. (A humid day in the desert is a laughing matter for most visitors. 'High' humidity is anything over 50% because the normal is far less than that.)

Monsoons can be 'fun' if you're at home and your roof is in good shape, but they can also be dangerous. Flash floods can make some roads impassable. Lightning can cause fires, knocking down trees and power lines. The heavy rains, thunder, and lightning doesn't last long, - usually only a couple of hours but during that time a lot rain can fall.

Watch A Monsoon.

Hear The Torrential Rain and Roaring Thunder. See A Dazzling Lightning Show Create A Strobe-light Effect Across The Dark Desert Sky.

Phoenix Monsoon Flood.

July 11, 2008. Fox News.

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