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Southwest Heat Breaks as Monsoon Storms Arrive
12 Jul
Summary
- Monsoon storms are bringing much-needed rain to the Southwest.
- Severe risks include flash flooding and lightning-sparked wildfires.
- The monsoon season typically begins in early July.
A significant shift in weather patterns is bringing the first widespread monsoon storms to the parched Southwest, promising an end to weeks of triple-digit temperatures. This annual event, the North American monsoon, is commencing close to its typical early July start, driven by a large high-pressure system directing tropical moisture northward from Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico.
The arrival of these storms, however, presents a dual threat. While much-needed precipitation will fall across Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas, forecasters warn of potential torrential downpours and dangerous "dry" thunderstorms. These storms carry the risk of dry lightning, capable of igniting desert vegetation, and can also spawn powerful downdrafts leading to dust storms and high winds, some reaching up to 60 mph.
Despite immediate hazards like flash flooding and potential wildfires, a wetter long-range outlook is projected for the Southwest. Meteorologists anticipate an overall near-average monsoon season, with the possibility of enhancement from tropical storms moving up from the Eastern Pacific. This could lead to a wetter pattern persisting into the fall months, helping to alleviate long-term water deficits in the region.
