As August is winding down, it is starting to look like the peak of the monsoon season is fading with it. Most folks living outside the desert, don’t realize we have one. But the high heat and humidity (yes, it can get a little humid this time of year) bring chances of heavy rain, dust storms (haboobs), lightning, dangerous winds, flash floods and everything it can throw at us for a couple of months.
It doesn’t happen every day. And it doesn’t happen everywhere in valley on the same day. In fact, inches of rain can pour down in one spot, and not give a drop of moisture a mile away. These microbursts are a summer lottery. Both a blessing for the rain we need and potentially a curse with some destruction it can leave behind.
And as a converted Phoenician, we often stare out the window, post pictures when it rains (seems silly, like our friends and family have never seen rain!).
But as a frequent desert wanderer, one of the great blessings to me is the chance to go out and see some amazing sunsets (Arizona has some of the best!), sunrises (Arizona has some of the best, too!) and some unique skies to go with the beautiful desert.
I do my best to go out most evenings after work, hit a trail or venture up one of the peaks,. And though it can be a little sticky or you may have to hurry if a monsoon wants to expand your way (most don’t “travel” very far – they form and then release their rain).
So yes, I will miss this monsoon season and what it brings for my purely selfish enjoyment!
Next up (unless something else comes my way) – Havasu Falls!
Previous blog: Sunrise is E-A-R-L-Y (in case you didn’t know that)!
Website: https://oldmanhiking.com/
I love to see what everyone is doing. Follow me (I follow back!) on Instagram @ Rustyw20, Facebook @ Old Man Hiking, Pinterest @ Old Man Hiking
Leave a Reply