A lightning bolt hits northwest of Gates Pass on July 19, 2023.
Thunderstorms can develop sporadically and lightning can strike at any moment. If thunder is audible, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Alert Top Story
8 tips for camping during Tucson's monsoon season
Don't let this year's monsoon cast a dark cloud over your summer camping trips in and around Tucson!
These tips, provided by the National Weather Service, can help make sure you stay safe outdoors.
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
2. Seek shelter if needed
Several bolts strike in the foothills of the southern Rincon Mountains as an intense monsoon cell rolls into Vail, Ariz., July 30, 2021,
During a thunderstorm, avoid exposed and elevated surfaces and abandon tents. Instead, find a hard-topped vehicle or structure to take shelter in.
3. 30 minute rule
Clouds stripe the western sky just after a monsoon shower at Saguaro National Park East. Tucson experienced its third-wettest monsoon on record in 2021.
Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before you leave shelter to avoid any remaining lightning.
4. Watch for flash flooding
Cañada del Oro Wash flowing with runoff from several monsoon storms as seen from the bridge at La Cholla Blvd. on July 14, 2021.
Low-lying areas sparse with vegetation can be a bad place to set up camp due to easy flooding. Don't camp in washes even if they initially appear dry.
5. Don't enter a flood
A woman climbs out of a pickup truck as Northwest Fire District firefighters perform a rescue in the Cañada del Oro wash on Aug. 10, 2021.
Don't try to cross flowing streams or drive through flooded areas.
6. Watch for heat dangers
The sunsets behind the Tucson Mountains as seen from S X-9 Ranch Rd. East of Tucson, Ariz. on August 23, 2020.
During hot days, always prepare yourself with plenty of fluids, sunscreen, loose garments and other necessities to keep cool.
7. Always keep an eye out for the weather
The Rillito River rolls along just west of Swan Road after a powerful storm early July 23, 2021.
Prepare yourself for the elements with the proper equipment including a NOAA weather radio and subscribe to severe weather alerts on your cell phone.
8. Look at the sky
A brief monsoon storm throws a rainbow over the valley, Tucson, Ariz., July 1, 2020. View to the southeast from Greasewood.
Keep an eye on the sky and scan all directions for clouds or signs of storms moving in.
Pascal Albright
Features Reporter
The Tucson area will see a chance of monsoon storms all this week, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 30% to 40% chance of …
Two fests, geared toward the city's youngest, are set to take place within the next month, starting with Tucson Kids Fest, to be held at the Tucson Convention Center.
Even though the 2022 monsoon is predicted to be wetter than normal, it is not expected to be as wet as the record-breaking 2021 monsoon.
Photos of the 2021 monsoon season storms, flooding, high water, rain and wind damage and water rescues by Arizona Daily Star photographers.
Tucson is looking pretty green! Check out the views from Sabino Canyon following this summer's above-average rainfall.
Photographs of swift water rescues during the 2021 monsoon season in Tucson and Pima County.
Tucson's monsoon can bring flash floods that travel miles, catching hikers and motorists by surprise.
June 15 marks the first official day of Tucson's monsoon season. Here are six weather-related terms you might hear this summer.
The Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility shared on Twitter Tuesday evening that South Harrison Road was closed at the Pantano Wash…
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has started to receive its first confirmed reports of bear sightings this year as the weather gets warmer.