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Photos: Monsoon 2017
- Updated
Daily Star photographers captured the 2017 monsoon season around Tucson and Southern Arizona. July, 2017, was the second-wettest month on record.
Fun in the monsoon runoff
Naomy Robles, 7, sits atop dad Raul’s shoulders while they bask in the water cascading over Sabino Dam at Sabino Canyon on Friday. Abundant monsoon runoff has made the dam a popular place to cool off. Officials warn visitors to be aware of monsoon weather upstream. Storms upstream can produce heavy rainfall, causing flash floods.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Lightning touches down with a rain cell northwest of Tucson on July 31.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarBloom Night 2017
The "Queen of the Night" night-blooming cereus plant begins to open during the Bloom Night event at Tohono Chul Park on July 18, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Nick Smallwood / for the Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Several lightning bolts from a series of monsoon storms that surrounded the area, slam into the Galiuro Mountains, east of the San Pedro River Valley, Saturday, August 12, 2017, Oracle, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon runoff
Addie Rhein, 8, gets a lift on dad Rob's back after they set out to the play in the abundant monsoon runoff filling Tanque Verde Creek on Aug. 1, 2017, near Redington Pass northwest of Tucson, Ariz. Rob brought daughters Addie and Kyla (not pictured) to enjoy one of their last summer days off before school begins. Tucson just experienced its wettest July to date with the airport recording 6.79 inches of rain.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Dwane Johnson of Arizona Arbors begins trimming off small branches of the fallen trees at Woodridge Apartments, 8225 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, AZ. on Friday, August 11, 2017.The trees fell during a microburst Thursday night.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Nearly a dozen trees fell on the property at Woodridge Apartments, 8225 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, AZ. during a brief thunderstorm. At least four trees crashed into several buildings August 10, 2017. There were no reports of injury but several trees were toppled throughout this east-side area.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
From left, Henry Simon, Jeremy Nji and Tyler Kassube, college students visiting from Wisconsin, walk past eroded dirt next to the asphalt road on "A" Mountain on Aug. 9, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. The city closed the road up Sentinel Peak to vehicle access following monsoon storm runoff and erosion alongside the asphalt.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Several bolts of lightning strike the northeastern Rincon Mountains, part of the tail end of a monsoon storm that just skirted the city, Friday, August 4, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarStorm Clouds
Storm clouds roll over the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley, AZ. on their way to Tucson on August 3, 2017.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Traffic threads along the western slope of Gates Pass under the patchy monsoon clouds lit by the Tucson city lights to the east, Wednesday, August 2, 2017.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Monsoon 2017 not quite done yet, a cell rolled over the area bringing a little wind, a little rain and a little lightning, Saturday, August 26, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon runoff
A midday hiker sets out to cross the knee-high waters from the abundant monsoon runoff filling Tanque Verde Creek on Aug. 1, 2017, near Redington Pass northwest of Tucson, Ariz. Tucson just experienced its wettest July to date with the airport recording 6.79 inches of rain.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A man traverses through the rain in his poncho along South Osborne Avenue near 22nd Street following a monsoon storm that dumped rain on Tucson's downtown and south side on Aug. 3, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A passerby admires the runoff flowing in the Santa Cruz River near Congress Street following a monsoon storm that dumped rain on Tucson's downtown and south side on Aug. 3, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoons
With the city lights glowing off the cloud cover, run-off in the Agua Caliente Wash splashes over Soldier Trail, the after effects from a weekend of active monsoon storms, Tuesday, August 1, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Light strikes over the the Tanque Verde wash, partially filled with standing water from runoff on Tanque Verde Loop Rd., from the tail end of a monsoon storm, Friday, July 28, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Neighborhood residents gather to admire the storm runoff at the intersection of South Country Club and Bantam Road during an afternoon monsoon storm on July 28, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A monsoon storm toppled a tree onto a Nissan passenger vehicle parked in front of the McKale Center ticket office during a monsoon storm on July 19, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Tucson Fire Department firefighters, with mutual assistance from Northwest Fire District, assist a stranded motorist out of his stalled pick-up truck in the 2600 block of North Lloyd Bush Drive where it crosses the Camino de Oeste wash on July 17, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Neighborhood kids gather to admire and play in the storm runoff at the intersection of South Country Club and Bantam Road during an afternoon monsoon storm on July 28, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A monsoon storm toppled a tree onto a Nissan passenger vehicle parked in front of the McKale Center ticket office during a monsoon storm on July 19, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Daniel Antoon found himself caught in a downpour as he ran through the parking lot to a mid-afternoon meeting at the Jewish Community Center on July 19, 2017, in Tucson.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Tucson Police Department patrol officers Ryan Azuelo, left, and Robert Quesnel help push a BMW sedan from the roadway after it stalled in floodwater on South Kino Parkway.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A group of young people stop to admire the torrents of runoff, and a desk chair, filling the Arroyo Chico near South Campbell Avenue.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A Jeep plows through collected rainwater on South Park Avenue near East 36th Street.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A passing motorist stops to take a photo of the rainwater torrents, complete with a desk chair at left, flowing in the Arroyo Chico near Campbell Avenue.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A lightning bolt touches down in the Catalina Mountains as afternoon monsoon storm cells roll through the range as seen from Sentinel Peak on July 18, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A group of young people take off racing down the sidewalk along Congress Street as a monsoon storm unleashes on downtown on July 17, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A construction worker waits out the rain from a canopy as a another man races across Congress Street as a monsoon storm unleashes on downtown on July 17, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A woman takes a long step over collected water as she crosses Congress Street at Sixth Avenue as a monsoon storm unleashes on downtown on July 17, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Jenna Whitney holds her shoes aloft as she crosses a soggy Congress Street as a monsoon storm unleashes on downtown on July 17, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Storm cells form east of Vail, Ariz. near Rocking K Ranch on July 17, 2017, southeast of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Storm clouds form over a cross at the Rincon Memorial Cemetery near Rocking K Ranch in Vail, Ariz. on July 17, 2017, southeast of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Storm cells form east of Vail, Ariz. on July 17, 2017, southeast of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarFun in the monsoon runoff
Visitors to Sabino Canyon, including (from left) Bu Meh, 16, Mi Meh, 15, and Elizabeth Meh, 16, enjoy a cooling-off.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarFun in the monsoon runoff
Visitors to Sabino Canyon enjoy a cooling-off in the abundant monsoon runoff at the Sabino Dam.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Photo by Mel Martin who combined five photos to make this dynamic image of clouds over the Catalina Mountains.
Mel MartinMonsoon 2017
Several bolts strike just southwest of downtown, part of a monsoon storm that generated heavy lightning and some rain as it rolled over the area, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2017Monsoon 2017
The downtown skyline gets lit up by several bolts finding earth just southwest of the center of the city, part of a monsoon storm that rolled over the area, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A lightning bolt appears to strike the antenna tower on top of the Bank of America Plaza building, part the heavy lightning generated by a monsoon storm that rolled over the area, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A multi-forked bolt slams to the ground just west of the downtown skyline, part of a monsoon storm that rolled over the area, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarTucson Sunsets
The monsoon clouds didn't bring the rain, but sure brought the color for sunset over downtown, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
The last of the day's sunlight pokes through a monsoon storm building up over the northwest area of the valley, generating lightning strikes but little precipitation, Saturday, July 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A lightning bolt strikes in the western Santa Catalina foothills from storm clouds north of downtown and the buildings of the University of Arizona, Thursday, July 6, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A blot strikes just southeast of town, one of numerous lightning strikes that surrounded the valley but left behind no monsoon rain, Saturday, July 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A bolt cuts through the clouds over the northwest part of town, one of numerous lightning strikes from monsoon storm cells blowing up around the city but leaving no rain, Saturday, July 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Rain showers open up over the Catalina Mountains on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
The sun sets behind the Tucson Mountains after late afternoon monsoon storms opened up over the city on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
The sun sets behind the Tucson Mountains after late afternoon monsoon storms opened up over the city on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
The sun sets behind the Tucson Mountains after late afternoon monsoon storms opened up over the city on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A supermarket shopper makes a light-footed dash back to her vehicle as a storm cell opened up on the northeast side of town on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A supermarket shopper braves the rain as she wheels her cart back to her vehicle after a storm cell opened up on the northeast side of town on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
A motorist takes a metered approach to monsoon runoff flowing across East Fifth Street at North Desert View Avenue on July 10, 2017, north of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarMonsoon 2017
Rain water from the Pantano Wash flows into the Rillito River as a light rain falls in the Tucson area on July 11, 2017.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily StarRelated to this collection
Advice for the real world.
Strong storms tonight are bringing high winds, heavy rains, flood and dust advisories. Be careful out there.
From the Arizona Daily Star, May 8, 1954:
Motorists need to drive with caution, police say.
Drug ring was the subject of a three-year, multi-agency federal investigation.
Kidnapped a prostitute who used to work for him and threatened her with a gun.
Those looking to live in downtown Tucson feel sticker shock.
Stormy conditions will continue through most of next week.
Boy fell after helping a girl who slipped near the top of the falls.
Sabino Canyon is also at an increased risk of flash flooding if more storms occur today.
Flash flood warnings for Tucson and surrounding area
Bipartisan plan has real potential to help.
The shelter is at critical capacity.
Online tools, commonsense guidelines help you get in, safely out of potentially dangerous spots.
People should heed warnings about flash floods and not endanger themselves, and others.
Possibility of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
Drying will occur in some areas with locally heavy rainfall in others.
A drying trend and warmer temperatures are in the forecast.
Flooding is the most expensive and destructive disaster facing the state.
Pointed gun at employee at drive-through window.
Monsoon activity is expected to return to the area later in the week.
Monsoon moisture to return to the region by Friday.
Possibility of heavy rain and gusty winds in some areas.
Visitors are now free to bike or walk up to "A" Mountain, but vehicles are still not allowed.
The storm dropped up to 0.25 of an inch of rain in areas on the east side.
Here's everything you need to know about Arizona's exhibition trip to Europe.
Beware of strong winds and locally heavy rainfall.
Don't be surprised if you're walking the wooden sidewalks of Tombstone this weekend and you bump into someone you swear bears a passing resemb…
Advice for the real world.
The University of Arizona sent a delegation to New Mexico to examine it and brought the painting back to Tucson.
King Yates is also facing murder charges in connection with the death of his wife.
Gerhard De Beer has come a long way from the days where he didn't know how to properly put on pads as a true freshman playing football for the first time, coach Rich Rodriguez said.
The Pio Decimo Center, an agency of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, announced a scholarship program to help children attend i…
Woman is being held in Pima County jail awaiting extradition.
Continental Ranch taproom is the latest to join growing craft brew industry.
The richest and most powerful nation in the world — the United States — has the seventh highest rate of child poverty according to a WalletHub…
Owners want to shake the notion that the Oro Valley restaurant is for special occasions.
Road construction, end of a lease prompt moves.
Regent Jay Heiler tells AG he believes the regents' policy clearly violates a 2006 voter-approved state law.
A former grocery store is being transformed into a luxury movie theater.
UA coach believes his crop of newcomers is as talented as he's had at Arizona.
She attempted to cross with her young child.
This is despite efforts by tribes to keep their cultures and their languages alive, through immersion schools and tribal programs.
The two main law-enforcement agencies in Pima County are now handing out tickets to motorists who use devices that aren’t hands-free while dri…
Ripped out of its frame at the UA Museum of Art in 1985, it was found by an antique dealer in New Mexico.
A type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increasingly common in the United States, so people need to be alert for signs o…
Monsoon moisture has brought uncommon greenery and color to deserts this summer.
Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected across southeast Arizona.
The incident took place at a residence outside McNeal.
Police say she was killed by a drunken driver.
Debates rage over whether the best route to new jobs is renewing the mining industry.
The Kingdom of Jordan waffled when pressured by the United States, domestic tribe over killings at air base.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have read online and in our local newspaper that doctors are no longer recommending metformin as a treatment for Type 2 diab…
Advice for the real world.
Dear Jeanne & Leonard:
Thunderstorms dropped a significant amount of rain across Tucson overnight.
Cooler temperatures and storm activity will return this weekend.
Storm activity should last through the middle of next week.
High temperatures are running a few degrees above average.
Thanks to the wettest July ever recorded, this year's rainy season was 11th wettest.
Tucson’s rainy season officially starts June 15, which will be a welcome change for some residents
Charitable donations by Southern Arizona businesses and organizations.
Six people were killed in recent days by the man, authorities said on Monday.
A high of 110 degrees is possible by the end of the week.
A 37-year-old man was arrested six hours after damaging three businesses and being in a standoff with Tucson police officers Monday morning.
Georgia Tech University says that a law firm found no evidence of sexual misconduct.
Long-term Navy contracts could be worth up to $850 million for Raytheon and Norwegian partner Kongsberg.
FLORENCE — An Arizona National Guard assault helicopter had a hard landing while conducting training in Florence, but authorities say no signi…
Online claims go viral on social media, feeding conspiracy theories across the country.
The haze obscured Tucson's mountain views, but brought something else into sight — pre-monsoon moisture buildup.
The monsoon season officially starts on June 15, and although we may not see acutal monsoon storms for a few more weeks, we're already prepari…
Because it's here.
Monsoon updates for July 10, 2018.
There were no initial reports of hazardous materials in the derailment, authorities said.
Tucsonans should prepare for more thunderstorms today.
Scattered thunderstorms are in today's forecast.
There is up to an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms in the mountains today.
Temperatures are back in the hundreds today.
There's a risk of heat-related illness for people working outside, doing activities outdoors and for those without access to air conditioning.
Several weather advisories were issued yesterday, but storms aren't expected to be as heavy today.
Tucsonans can expect temperatures in the hundreds, with a chance of scattered thunderstorms.
Storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Luckily the dust storm didn't hit much of Tucson.
An excessive heat warning is in place for the Tucson area today.
Temperatures are also expected to stay below 100 degrees.
Tucson can expect a chance of thunderstorms today.
Chances for thunderstorms are slim this week.
Hopefully we'll get some rain soon!
Rain isn't expected today.
Chances of rain aren't likely in Tucson today.
A flash flood watch is in place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This monsoon season's total rainfall is now at 7.01 inches.
Monsoon season is almost over, Tucson.
Hopefully you've enjoyed the weather during the last couple of days because it doesn't look like much will change today.
Tucson can expect another day of sunshine and warm temperatures today, and the same can be expected for the next few days.
Today's weather is expected to bring more sunshine and warm temperatures — possibly in the 100s.
It looks like it'll be another cloudy day in Tucson today.
Yesterday proved to be another rainy day in the Old Pueblo.
Well Tucson, the rain has left the building.
Tucson got its fair share of rain yesterday, and it looks like the weather may be the same again today.
If you're in need of a break from the rain, here it is.
If you haven't noticed, the weather has been a lot cooler in Tucson lately.
Tucson got a fair share of rain last night — so much that a flood advisory was even put in place early this morning, but was later cancelled.
Monsoon season in Tucson can be exhilarating and dangerous. Here's the 2020 version in news stories, photos and tips.

