8 things you need to know about monsoon season

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What you need to know about the monsoon season

1. When does it start?

Monsoon 2017 — Lightning touches down with a rain cell northwest of town on July 31, 2017, west of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Since 2008, the National Weather Service has decreed a monsoon season from June 15 to September 30. However, it still keeps track of the monsoon start by a measure it used from 1949 until 2008 — the first of three consecutive days with an average dew point of 54 or above.

Also known as chubasco, the summer rains bring much-needed moisture and cooler evenings. Not to mention lightning, heavy rain, high winds, flash flooding, hail and dangerous driving conditions.

2. Driving tips

Monsoon storm in Tucson — A Volkswagen Beetle driver braves a couple of feet of floodwater on Park Avenue at Pennsylvania that had bigger trucks and SUVs driving gingerly during a heavy monsoon storm moving that flooded southwest Tucson, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

If you are caught in a severe storm and can’t drive safely, move completely off the road and stop with your lights off. Take your foot off the brake to make sure your brake lights aren't lit. This prevents other drivers from following your tail-lights, thinking you are still on the road. Never stop in the travel portion of the road.

Pro tip: Replace your windshield wipers before the monsoons start.

3. Be safe taking those awesome lightning photos

On average, 47 people die after being struck by lightning in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Arizona made up for one of those deaths during 2016's monsoon season.

The incident occurred mid-July in Coconino County while the individual was hiking.

Monsoon lovers should take cover when watching storms from afar. Most lightning strikes occur more than three miles away from the center of the thunderstorm, and have even been spotted as far as 15 miles.

Some tips to stay safe during nature’s light show include: stay indoors when you hear thunder, avoid using plumbing and electrical equipment and keep your distance from windows.

You can also keep track of lightning strikes recorded in your area at lightningmaps.org

Check out our best monsoon photos of 2018 here and our readers' photos here.

4. Say hello to your desert neighbors

Southern Arizona Gila monsters — Gila monster seen along a trail at Ventana Canyon.
Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star

Expect to see more Gila monsters, and other wildlife, come out to play on nights of high humidity.

According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Gila monsters live in washes that extend down into the valley.

But don't freak out. They're just out enjoying the weather like everyone else.

5. Monsoon season scent

Have you ever wondered why it smells so good after a rainy day? The smell actually comes from the creosote bush, which has medicinal properties.

While you’re waiting for the rain to hit or can’t get enough of the smell, buy yourself some creosote-scented lotion or ointment.

6. End of Monsoon is the beginning of prickly pear season

Blooming prickly pear cacti add a splash of color near a crested saguaro in Sabino Canyon.
Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star

With plentiful rain comes the beautiful green vibrance of the Sonoran Desert and the ruby red fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

This unique fruit, called a "tuna," grows from the pads of the cactus, creating an amazing edible crown that’s ready to harvest in September.

Tunas are used in a variety of foods and products, but some of our favorites include the prickly pear margarita at Reforma Cocina y Cantina, jellies and lip balm.

7. Monsoon Safety Awareness

It’s Monsoon Awareness Week! Follow along with us and the other southwest NWS offices this week to learn about Monsoon weather & how to stay safe from the hazards that it can bring. #azwx #Monsoon2018 #MonsoonAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/RwZOuJ3MlR
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) June 10, 2018