Monsoon Storms in Arizona

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

A gentle cloud burst rain shower.

Summertime is when it usually rains in Arizona. In the greater Phoenix area, the annual rainfall is less than 17 inches, but it comes in bunches. The rainy time of year is referred to as the Monsoon Season.

The sun can be shinning and the temperatures can be 110 F and then, clouds form overhead, or strong winds bring clouds from elsewhere. In an instant rain falls. Sometimes the rain doesn't reach the ground. It evaporates as it falls. This is called a Virga. Other times the rain is a fine mist like the rain in the photo that is "backlighted from the sun." But, then, it can be a downpour that often cause flash floods to the point where people are swept away and property damage. SERVPRO of San Leandro has travel to Arizona to assist in property damage recovery caused by the Monsoon rains.