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!
From the category archives:
Weather
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:
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
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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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
It’s not often we wake up to cloudy skies and a light drizzle. Leftovers from last nights monsoon.
Since I live just off the Indian Bend Wash, the major flood control channel for Scottsdale, I can usually tell how heavy the rain was the night before by the helicoptor traffic. This morning the news choppers are here, but not in full force.
Be Prepared
The City of Scottsdale emailed the following reminder earlier this week, just in time.
Monsoon rains can cause sudden, localized flooding. Motorists are urged to obey all traffic signs and to be cautious when approaching low-lying road segments and unbridged wash crossings. Never cross a flooded road. Rain runoff can continue for several hours after storms have left an area.
Heavy rains and wind can also damage private property. Scottsdale urges residents to be prepared by taking these steps:
- Take photos or videos of all of your important possessions; store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they won’t be damaged
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach children to dial 911
- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family
Got flooding? Now what?
Solutions for homeowners with drainage problems in and around their home can be found in this Scottsdale Homeowner’s Guide to Drainage, which suggests:
Drainage and flooding problems in and around your home can be a costly and damaging nuisance. While you are developing your lot or landscaping your yard, you can inadvertently create flooding and drainage problems.
Fortunately, these problems can often be prevented by following the guidelines listed in this booklet. These guidelines are based on actual problems encountered in our suburban desert environment and in our urban neighborhoods near the heart of Scottsdale.
To report emergency street flooding, where a road needs to be closed down, call the Scottsdale Police Department at 480-312-5000 – Emergencies ONLY
To get free sandbags and flood report updates, call Municipal Services at 480-312-5620.
So, while we don’t get the dramatic winters storms in the north, we do get a bit of “real weather” once in awhile. Be prepared, and get help if you need it.
I just have to make a quick post to note how exceptionally nice the weather has been here in Scottsdale this spring. Sometimes, we have a very early summer, but to date this year, it’s been pretty mild. I’m looking at my thermometer and it’s sitting at about 82 right now, and not expected to go much higher. The historical average for today is 88.
Just one of the benefits of the slightly cooler temps is that the flowers are out in full force, everywhere.
A few more photos of desert flowers, and other flowering plants.
