A meteorological event occurs during July and August as Arizona’s landscape heats up and the wind changes direction bringing monsoon thunderstorms over Grand Canyon.
In fact, the name “monsoon” is derived from the Arabic world “mausin” meaning season or wind-shift.
During the winter, winds blow primarily from the west or northwest then summer winds shift from the south or southeast.
This brings moisture northward from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Three stages of thunderstorm develop: the updraft cumulus, mature stage and dissipation.
Storm cells in Arizona are generally short-lived and average about 30-40 minutes. Of course the cycle can repeat itself so always be prepared for monsoon thunderstorms over Grand Canyon.
Great photos for SkyWatch.. Until my recent visit West I didn’t know about the Monsoon season
Thunderstorms in the Southwest are eye candy for me. Always changing, beneficial, and colorful. The best part: I can enjoy them especially because this eye candy has no calories!
🙂
I love to watch the storms. All these little rain pockets that you can see from far away. And it’s cooler.
Very interesting Gaeyln! I learn so much from your posts — I’d love to hear one of your talks (maybe, some day, fingers crossed ;>)~ The pictures are beautiful as well.
Your pictures of the canyon never fail to make me go ahhhh. I want to hop in my truck, monsoon or not, and head south!
Dreamy photos. Today, this morning, early…..it was overcast and muggy. I went inside the canyon…..and it rained. I just sat in the rain with nature friends and lost track of time. We were there for 5 hours and I never did see the darn hummer, but I have to say that some of the most awesome people come with the package. In fact, I think I may pack a lunch next time and a nice folding chair for the hummer challenges. There was a big thunder boomer over us and two creeks were fully running…..got back to Tucson….and it was 100 degrees and sunny skies. Our microclimates are really amazing during monsoon. What a difference that rain makes…..your shots are gorgeous!
Once we were at Cayonlands during a rainstorm. Luckily, we kept near to the car. Once the rain started, we headed down the road and then understood what a “flash flood” was. I can’t imagine being on Bright Angel or the Kaibab trails when an unexpected storm hits!
It also reminds me of a time we got stuck on a mountain hike in Big Bend when a hail storm arrived – what an absolute mess…but we loved every minute of it for we were out on a hike :).
Happy days ahead – we are heading on a short road trip to West Virginia in August, and then a week in Colorado in September. I can’t wait to be in the mountains with some fall colors! 🙂 My soul has been wishing for some good hiking lately…the kind you can’t find in Chicagoland!
What wonderful captures and such a variety of gorgeous skies! Doesn’t get anymore beautiful or colorful! Hope you’ve had a good week and that you have an even better weekend! Happy SWF, Gaelyn!
Captured so beautifully! Have a happy weekend and happy sky watching.
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Pretty photos! : )
These are so beautiful.
I really like that first photo with the rain cell… beautiful!!
Storms are everywhere and can be seen clearly when we stand In our own eye.
Wow! Great shots, Gaelyn!
We get nothing of the sort where I live. The south of South Africa gets most of its weather from winter coldfronts while the north and east gets summer rainfall which comes from systems more like your’s.
I always like to see what’s happening in or above the Canyon, Gaelyn. Hope some rain is reaching the ground. We’re also in Monsoon here in the mountains of CO – thank goodness!
magically gorgeous!