August 31, 2019
Notice anything different this year?
“Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea. Usually, the term monsoon is used to refer to the rainy phase of a seasonally changing pattern, although technically there is also a dry phase. The term is sometimes incorrectly used for locally heavy but short-term rains.” Wikipedia.
Arizona’s monsoon season is characterized by storms that feature dust, high winds and heavy downpours that often cause flash flooding of area washes and roads. Sometimes, microbursts are the offshoots of these storms. According to the National Weather Service, the monsoon season officially begins on June 15th and ends on September 30th.
No matter how you define “monsoon” and when the season officially begins; thus far the 2019 season has been far from typical. In north Scottsdale and the desert foothills there have been fewer storms and spectacular skyscapes like those included here.
The Peak thanks the residents who have contributed these photographs over the years. We hope you enjoy the images.
Monson skyscape west of Scenic Drive and Dynamite Blvd. 2015, Conklin.
“Monsoon Madness,” 2009, Goodwin.
Monson skyscape west of Scenic Drive and Dynamite Blvd. 2015, Conklin.
Monsoon skyscape west of Scenic Drive and Dynamite. 2015, Conklin.
Monsoon skyscape over McDowell Sonorn Preserve (East of Pima Road). 2014, Terlecki.
Monsoor ligthtening strike over Rio Verde. 2007
Sunlight illuminates Pinnacle Peak after a monsoon. 2012.
“Rainbow and Pinnacle Peak,” 2011, Terlecki.
“Summwe Clouds and Pinnacle Peak,” 2009, Howard.
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