by Dru Bloomfield on July 20, 2010
June is the month were many of the highest recorded temps have been recorded, but with its lower humidity doesn’t feel quite as hot as July and August, when the humidity of monsoon season arrives. Whether it’s heat, humidity, sprinkles, lightning, wind, or a true rainstorm, the weather at this time of year varies as much as it ever does.
This week’s forecast:
![clip_image001[5]](http://athomeinscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/clip_image0015_thumb.gif "clip_image001[5]")
In July, we wake up to morning clouds and gorgeous sunrises, that often burn off to a clear blue sky. By mid-day, the thunderheads start building around the city. At the end of the day, we might get some rain, but more often than not, it’s "just another gorgeous sunset"!
Corrected 7/22/2010: First paragraph originally stated that June is our hottest month. From the National Weather Service web site, I found the historical data showing that this was not the case. See: Phoenix AZ Monthly Temperature from 1896 to Present (Thanks to Sage Dillon, Arizona native, for catching this one!)
by Dru Bloomfield on June 24, 2010
Monsoon season started June 15th this year. A couple years ago weather experts decided that the “season” would start on this date every year, rather than by the weather pattern based on average daily dew point.
This weather-based criteria was important to home owners who used evaporative cooling to supplement their standard air conditioners. “Evap” coolers were much cheaper to run (my brother once told me 25% of the cost), but require a very low humidity to be effective, so could only be used until monsoon season started.
Now that air conditioners are so much more efficient, homeowners of the older homes that still have these evap units are most-often not replacing them when they die.
I doubt that the official start date really has anything to do with air conditioning, but it does signal the time of year when our humidity does start to rise, so we do start to see clouds much more often. And with clouds, we get some incredibly beautiful sunrises.
Like a few of my favorites from last year:
References for Arizona’s Monsoon Season:
by Dru Bloomfield on December 25, 2009
Scottdale’s McCormick Ranch Golf Course – View of Hole #4 green on the Pine Course, Camelback Mountain in the background
Here’s a quick pic showing just lovely our weather is at this time of year. A lot be grateful for!
by Dru Bloomfield on August 6, 2009
photo credit: midiman
My family moved to Phoenix in 1969, and some of my best summer memories are of the monstrous dust storms and huge, torrential rains. When it was over, we’d run outside and play in the rivers of water running down the street.
When I talk to newcomers to the Phoenix area and mention that we have “monsoons“, I get inquisitive looks. Easy to understand why. Desert and rain just don’t seem to go together.
I did a little research this morning, and discovered that the term monsoon is actually linked to a shift in wind. Normally, our winds come from the west or northwest, but in the summer they shift so that they are coming from the south or southwest, which brings moister air into the state.
From the Basics of the Arizona Monsoon & Desert Meteorology web site, I also learned:
….the term “monsoons” as in “when the monsoons arrive …” is a meteorological no-no. There is no such beast. The word should be used in the same manner that “summer” is used. Consequently, the proper terminology is “monsoon thunderstorms” not “monsoons.”
This site has lots of technical weather details related to our monsoon season, plus you can learn how to be a weather spotter. I also discovered gustadoes, which are a combination of a “dust devil” and a “tornado“. You can also read about the differences between a wet and a dry monsoon storm.
Up until a year ago, the beginning of monsoon season was marked by three consecutive days of dew points averaging 55°F or higher.
Now, the National Weather Service (NWS) has determined that:
“….the monsoon “season” will start on June 15th every year and end on September 30th, regardless of weather conditions. In years past, the first three consecutive days with average dew points of 55 degrees marked the beginning of the monsoon—typically in early July. And the monsoon ended with the last string of three days with such damp dew points–usually in September.”
Sarah Walters, 12 News Today AM meteorologist, tells me that the dated monsoon season is now officially called “The Arizona Monsoon Season“, and she sent me a couple excellent weather links to share:
Monsoons in Arizona
Monsoon Tracker
Safety can be an issue with monsoons, so if you are outside, know what to do, in the case of lighting, dust storms, and flooding, so I’ve included a few links that I hope you find helpful in being prepared.
Monsoons & What to do if… - Tips on staying safe in a monsoon from the City of Scottsdale
Safety Tips from the Salt River Project (SRP) - Including what to do if you are caught inside or out.
Monsoon Safety from the American Red Cross – additional tips for what to do in a flash flood
by Dru Bloomfield on July 28, 2009
photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
No doubt about it. We have hot summers. The City of Scottsdale has the following recommendations:
Take precautions to avoid health risks – avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and be aware of heat stress warning signs such as dizziness, weakness or nausea.
And remember, car temperatures can exceed 150 degrees on summer days – never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
More heat health and safety tips can be found at the city’s web site, and include the following:
- Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
- Avoid “heat hangover.” Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
- Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
- Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
And, if you are looking for a way to help others get through the long, hot summer, consider this option. Scottsdale hosts one of the Phoenix metropolitan water hydration stations this summer at Vista del Camino. It’s there for those who need it, and donations of bottled water, light colored t-shirts, sun block, and hats can be dropped off any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Vista del Camino is located at 7700 E. Roosevelt, between Scottsdale and Hayden Roads.
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by Dru Bloomfield on December 21, 2008
When we wake up to days as beautiful as this, it’s easy to remember why we live here in Arizona. Snow days, shovels, and dead batteries are distant memories, replaced by blue skies, green grass, and wonderfully warm weather.
Winter in Scottsdale
photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale
![clip_image001[5]](http://athomeinscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/clip_image0015.gif "clip_image001[5]")
