Carefree monsoon season: Welcome rain, but a time to be smart and cautious
As I write this column, we are at the end of a week of refreshing monsoon storms. The rain has awakened dormant plants and hidden wildlife that have been avoiding the brutal summer sun. We are optimistic that the hardships of summer are receding, and the days are shortening.
Monsoons bring dramatic shows of building storm clouds, ground strikes and sheet lightning and double rainbows. But best of all, the spells of cooler air allow us to, however briefly, open our doors and windows and let fresh air into our homes.
So far 2026 monsoons have dropped between 1-1.5” of rain, far surpassing the 2023 and 2024 monsoon seasons, with their disappointing minimal rainfalls. The total rainfall in the 2025 monsoon was measured at 2.76 “ at Sky harbor. The full energy of a powerful gully washer might be just around the corner.
With luck it will bring this year’s rainfall to match or exceed last year’s. We are grateful for the effects of the super El Nino and hope it lives up to its promise.
While the desert enjoys the moisture, it is time to refamiliarize ourselves with how to cope safely with these potent storms.
Monsoon storms bring the risk of flash floods. A storm miles away can quickly bring water into our washes without much warning. Be safe and do not cross flooded road dips or washes.
The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZEIN) reminds us that it is difficult to maintain your balance walking in 6” of fast-moving water. 12-18” of fast-moving water can cause most vehicles to float away.
Low water crossings and flooded areas should be avoided. Water over pavement may conceal that the roadway has washed away or that heavy debris lurks under the water. Driving around barricades will seldom end well.
The unsettled air patterns of the monsoon season also can lead to huge dust storms called haboobs. For the uninitiated, haboobs may invoke images of Armageddon – intense wind, flying dust walls, dark orange skies, and zero visibility.
AZEIN suggests, if driving in a haboob, pull off the road as far to the right as possible, turn off your lights, set the parking brake, and take your foot off the brake pedal so drivers behind you do not follow you. Visibility can shrink to just a few feet once you enter the wall of dust.
While monsoon storms spark a bit of an adrenaline rush in most of us, just think of the stress our furry friends might be feeling. Loud wind, pounding rain, flashing lightning, and booming thunder can frighten and confuse the most stoic pets.
The Arizona Humane Society suggests keeping pets indoors, providing a safe haven with food, toys, and water, and turning the TV or radio on to distract pets.
As welcome as the monsoon season may be and as much as we relish the much needed rain, a bit of caution and common sense will go a long way to keep us safe. And for those of you who have been following Firewise practices and have that Go Bag packed, you will be able to sleep through this monsoon season a bit easier.
