Welcome to Arizona! Has anyone told you that one of the best parts about living in the Sonoran desert is our amazing monsoon season? The word “monsoon” actually comes from the Arabic word “mausim,” which means “season.” So really, calling it a monsoon season is redundant. No one is going to fault you for it, though – we all call it that!
Desert monsoons are heavy periods of rain that last anywhere from 20-30 minutes to a few hours. The most amazing part about our Sonoran desert monsoons is the smell – the rain mixed with the smell of creosote and other desert plants is unique to Arizona, and once you’ve experienced it, it’s unforgettable!
Arizonans love monsoon season, and chances are if you talk to 10 different people about our desert monsoons, you’ll learn 10 different traditions for preparing for or enjoying the season. Because the heavy rains are such a relief during the hot, dry summers, we take our enjoyment of monsoon season very seriously!
When Does Monsoon Season Start?
The National Weather Service’s official answer is that monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30, but that is a very broad estimate. We all know that the desert rains aren’t on any set schedule. If you want to have a better sense of when to expect our first monsoon rains, you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather reports. The season changes every year, and depends on the daily dew point average and high temperature. Monsoon rains come when the air is very heavy, humid, and hot.
How to Enjoy the Monsoons
If you live outside of the city in a desert area, you’ll have amazing views of the lighting and changing skies over the saguaros and desert landscape. If you live in a city, you need to find a porch or patio from which to experience the amazing monsoon rain.
Many local businesses have monsoon specials that are available throughout the monsoon season, and it’s fun as a new visitor or resident of Arizona to try out each one. If you have kids, you can make a guessing game out of when the first heavy rainfall will occur. Kids who love playing in the rain will enjoy celebrating when the first monsoon rain comes. Just be careful, and don’t plan on driving, hiking, or traveling in remote areas during heavy desert rains!
Be Safe and Vigilant During Monsoon Season
While we absolutely love monsoon season and taking in the sights and smells of the desert rain, Arizona locals also know the dangers that monsoon season brings. Not only does extreme desert heat pose a danger, but the heavy rains can also catch you by surprise if you’re out hiking or driving in the desert. Keep in mind that some desert areas are in danger of flash flooding during the monsoon rains, and these floods can swiftly and easily carry away a person – and even a car! If you aren’t familiar with flash flooding, learn everything you can, because it isn’t something to take lightly. Those who aren’t aware of the dangers of swift moving water in remote areas of desert are most at risk for accidents.
Monsoon thunderstorms can also come with high winds that cause dust storms. Visibility is low during these dust storms, and it can be very dangerous to be driving on the highway when one comes up. As with any inclement weather, it’s crucial to stay up to date on weather reports, listen to the locals and experts about what is dangerous, and heed traffic warning signs in dangerous areas.
Contact Castle & Cooke Today
At Castle & Cooke, we’re proud of our Arizona community and rich heritage. Our company was founded in 1851 as a general store, and has since grown into a vibrant, stylish local company that develops and builds homes and communities in Sierra Vista and throughout Cochise County. We love helping locals and Arizona transplants find their perfect home so that they too can become part of the community we love so much!
If you’re looking for a move in ready or newly constructed home in one of Arizona’s unique communities, give us a call today or contact us on our website. We’re confident you’ll love your new home as much as we do!