Monsoon!
Seconds ago I pulled up a local story on Tucson, AZ weather and the end of our monsoon season. the story was titled 'Monsoon's Curtain Call Comes This Weekend'. It is the last few ticks of September and the usual weather phenomenon, that is referred to as the monsoon is winding down.
A monsoon is caused by warm air creating surface low pressure zones that in turn draw moist air from the oceans. Arizona winds usually come from the west, but shift to a southeasterly wind in the summer, bringing moisture, most often from the Gulfs of Mexico and California. The wind shift and increase in moisture combine with the surface low pressure from the desert heat to produce storms in a cycle of “bursts” (heavy rainfall) and “breaks” (reduced rainfall).
the normally dry Rillito River after a storm
The monsoon season begins on June 15 and ends on September 30, but the storms peak between mid-July and mid-August. On average, about half of Arizona receives about half of its annual rainfall during the monsoon. Below are a few of the magnificent moments of the Monsoon season that I have captured.
over Tucson
beautiful colors over Pusch Ridge-Catalina Mountains
storm unleashing along the Catalina Mountains
a break in the storm, over the Tortolita Mountains
storm clouds building over Tucson
Awesome pictures, Dave! Thanks for sharing.
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