Susan Strom
EF5
Hi everybody, by request I have written this in response to the many questions I receive to give an idea of what it is like to chase the Arizona Monsoon.
In this thread, I will address the Arizona portion of the North American Monsoon. This activity flows into Arizona from Mexico and influences the deserts and high country.
<o></o>
I have been chasing this Monsoon for 11 years and since then have fallen in love with the whole experience. So here are my personal FAQs...hope they help! These are personal opinions/experiences. Pls feel free to add yours.
<u1></u1>What is the North American Monsoon?
The NAM is a seasonal wind shift that influences the Southwestern and Western United States. In Arizona, the official Monsoon Season runs from June 15-Sept 30.
Within the Season, thunderstorm activity ranges. Some days there can be no storms, some days isolated cells, and other days large areas of violent, severe weather. The word “monsoon†comes from the Arabic, “mausim†which means “wind shiftâ€. Monsoon tracker:<o></o>
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/twc/monsoon/monsoon_tracker.php<o>
</o><u1></u1>
What will I chase during Monsoon?<o></o>
Lightning photography is a prized catch of the Arizona monsoon. If active storms are present, Arizona’s lightning spawns from high-based clouds permitting great views of the lightning structure over startlingly beautiful terrain. I say this though with a caveat that Arizona’s lightning is extremely dangerous. The risk is quite real so be sure to be informed. Staying back produces better photography around here anyway; as your lightning will have context. Shelter is recommended. Here is a typical-looking Arizona bolt (over Saguaro cacti)...
http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromMistyMountain.jpg
Precipitation here is not required for a storm to be a lightning-producer. Although Doppler radar helps, it is not an indicator of the presence of lightning because Doppler measures precip. Other weather phenomena of the Monsoon include microbursts, sandstorm (haboob), high winds, rain torrents, flash floods and very colorful sunsets. Tornadoes are rare (but cannot be ruled out entirely).<o></o>
<u1></u1>
What is the storm structure like?<o></o>
Often seen are highly localized pulse convective storm towers possibly assisted by orographic features, mountains and sharp terrain. Cloud bases are relatively high. Read the sky by searching for cotton ball/cauliflour appearances. Promising towers will not appear soft, frayed or mushy. Hard, knuckle-like edges indicate strength. Not present are stratiform rains such as Seattle drizzle, or the rotating supercells of the Great Plains.
All convective development, even benign-looking cumuli with no rain, should be considered possibly electrified.<o></o>
Here is a typical Monsoon tower (tinted red by the presence of sand in the air).
http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromTower.jpg
<o></o>
What time of day will I chase and for how long?<o></o>
For myself, I begin my chases around sunset and wrap things up around 1am-2am. Lightning photography is best achieved at night. Daytime monsoon activity could include flash floods or haboob. The Colorado Plateau's (northern AZ) storms are often daytime occurring.
How does the precipitation fall?<u1></u1>
The Monsoon’s precip falls from localized raincores in an iso or scattered fashion and can be extremely heavy. When strong storms are present, expect the threat of street and desert flash flooding. Hail can be quarter sized. Larger is rare. Here is what one of the torrents looks like http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromTorrent.jpg<o></o>
<u1></u1>
What are some signs that it will be a good/bad chase day?<o></o>
The Monsoon flow comes primarily from Mexico, from the south. Winds from the southeast indicate a promising flow. West winds coming from the California deserts indicate drying and will push the storms to the east. A promising sign on a surface chart is the H sitting over the Four Corners (junction of AZ/New Mex/Colo/UT). The clockwise rotation of the H can bring the flow in from the southeast, one desirable synoptic condition. Higher dewpoints are favorable of course.<o>
</o>
What are my odds?<o></o>
Monsoon chasing is for the patient and persistent. This type of chasing can bring frustrations if someone can only stay for a long weekend or a couple of days. If this is the case, the expedition will have to chase very aggressively to harvest good photos from the Monsoon. Driving long distances across Arizona or New Mexico might be needed the shorter the time spent here. Hopes would be that visiting chasers would not hit a “breakâ€. If lucky, a visitor will hit the Monsoon pattern during one of the “burst†cycles, when violent severe weather is active and chasers needn't travel far.
<u1></u1>Some feel that to improve one’s odds, chasing at the onset or at the close of the season is often favorable. I can understand that. The second week of July can be more active, as well as can be Labor Day weekend. For myself, over 11 years of chasing monsoon, I have found that Labor Day weekend and the first week of September has held good promise. In August, the “burst and break†pattern can be more pronounced. Still, from early July through Sept, potential is there for a score or a bust at any time.<o>
</o><u1></u1>Odds can also be increased by staying east and southeast in the State of Arizona where the Monsoon flow is more generous. Recommended as well are more mountainous areas that are helped by orographic lift, rather than in the western deserts where it is hot and dry. (I do not chase Yuma/Quartzsite/Parker/Blythe for example, but rather, see my favored list below).<o>
</o><u1></u1>Arizona is only partially desert, although people often think it is all desert because they fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The State contains 6 life zones, ranging from Lower Sonoran desert to alpine. Alpine/Canadian or Hudsonian high country zones experience more active weather, as does the southeast corner of the State.
<o></o><u1></u1>
What is a “haboob†and how can I find one?<o></o>
The word “haboob†comes from the Arabic “habb†meaning “windâ€. In the Arizona Desert, a haboob is a sand wall, the same type that is seen in the Sahara, 2-3,000 ft high, rolling across the desert. They are spectacular to see but can cause zero visibility while driving. They form when a thunderstorm dies over desert terrain, fanning up a sand wall in all directions. A haboob is a prize for a chaser, due to the incredible appearance. Wide angle is recommended. They occur in the Phoenix metro area a few times per summer.
Here is a picture of a piece of a haboob coming into Phoenix. http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromSandstormAZ.jpg
A haboob is a sign of thunderstorm activity and considered promising for a night of chasing. <o>
</o><u1></u1>
What about desert wildlife?<o></o>
Arizona is home to a wide range of desert and mountain plants and animals.
<u1>
</u1>Noted animals include javalina (peccary/like pig), bobcat, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, desert bighorn sheep, deer, elk, pronghorn and coatimundi.<o>
</o><u1></u1>Common birds are quail, roadrunner, heron, flicker, gila woodpecker, red cardinal, cactus wren and of course hummingbirds and eagles & hawks, vultures and large owls. The Chiricahua alone is home to 300 different species of bird. Arizona attracts many birders.
<o></o><u1></u1>Reptiles that may be seen include lizards (such as Gila Monster), Western Diamondback, Mojave and Blacktail rattlesnakes, king snakes, banded gecko, just for starters.<o></o>
<u1></u1>
Insects are hardy including tarantula, scorpions, beetles such as cactus longhorn and palo verde, tarantula hawk wasp, Africanized bees, carpenter bees, wind scorpion, some mighty ants and beautiful butterflies such as Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail and Queen. Mosquitoes can also be experienced esp at dusk.<o></o>
<u1>
</u1>Large toads can also come out during Monsoon.<o></o>
<u1>
</u1>Scorpion tip: Don’t fear. They don’t go around looking for humans to sting. What they would like to sting is their next meal. I would be nervous only if I was a cricket or grasshopper. As a human, I check my shoes and I don’t walk around yards, patios and pools barefoot. Keep car doors closed while chasing, and don’t leave clothes on motel room floor. <o>
</o><u1></u1>
How hot does it get?<o></o>
Desert heat during Monsoon can be extreme. One-teens F can happen quite easily in the Sonoran Desert areas. Make sure to bring plenty (overcompensate) of water in the vehicle and car in good repair. It is worth looking up on a medical website how to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Also, I find that bananas, dates, and electrolyte/mineral powder from the health food store are of benefit. The high country (forests) offers relief.
<o></o><u1></u1>
What are some hazards?<u1></u1>
Aside from the natural dangers of lightning, flash floods (I will not cross), watch for shaky powerlines (they do come down), blowing debris such as large tumbleweeds or forest debris (Rim & Flagstaff) and also be aware of people doing various things in the desert, drinking, shooting, etc. There is still a Wild West factor out here. Animals are also a driving hazard, particularly elk on the Rim and roaming livestock on the rangeland.<o></o>
<u1></u1>
(Continued below...there was a wordcount limit)
<o>
</o>
In this thread, I will address the Arizona portion of the North American Monsoon. This activity flows into Arizona from Mexico and influences the deserts and high country.
<o></o>
I have been chasing this Monsoon for 11 years and since then have fallen in love with the whole experience. So here are my personal FAQs...hope they help! These are personal opinions/experiences. Pls feel free to add yours.
<u1></u1>What is the North American Monsoon?
The NAM is a seasonal wind shift that influences the Southwestern and Western United States. In Arizona, the official Monsoon Season runs from June 15-Sept 30.
Within the Season, thunderstorm activity ranges. Some days there can be no storms, some days isolated cells, and other days large areas of violent, severe weather. The word “monsoon†comes from the Arabic, “mausim†which means “wind shiftâ€. Monsoon tracker:<o></o>
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/twc/monsoon/monsoon_tracker.php<o>
</o><u1></u1>
What will I chase during Monsoon?<o></o>
Lightning photography is a prized catch of the Arizona monsoon. If active storms are present, Arizona’s lightning spawns from high-based clouds permitting great views of the lightning structure over startlingly beautiful terrain. I say this though with a caveat that Arizona’s lightning is extremely dangerous. The risk is quite real so be sure to be informed. Staying back produces better photography around here anyway; as your lightning will have context. Shelter is recommended. Here is a typical-looking Arizona bolt (over Saguaro cacti)...
http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromMistyMountain.jpg
Precipitation here is not required for a storm to be a lightning-producer. Although Doppler radar helps, it is not an indicator of the presence of lightning because Doppler measures precip. Other weather phenomena of the Monsoon include microbursts, sandstorm (haboob), high winds, rain torrents, flash floods and very colorful sunsets. Tornadoes are rare (but cannot be ruled out entirely).<o></o>
<u1></u1>
What is the storm structure like?<o></o>
Often seen are highly localized pulse convective storm towers possibly assisted by orographic features, mountains and sharp terrain. Cloud bases are relatively high. Read the sky by searching for cotton ball/cauliflour appearances. Promising towers will not appear soft, frayed or mushy. Hard, knuckle-like edges indicate strength. Not present are stratiform rains such as Seattle drizzle, or the rotating supercells of the Great Plains.
All convective development, even benign-looking cumuli with no rain, should be considered possibly electrified.<o></o>
Here is a typical Monsoon tower (tinted red by the presence of sand in the air).
http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromTower.jpg
<o></o>
What time of day will I chase and for how long?<o></o>
For myself, I begin my chases around sunset and wrap things up around 1am-2am. Lightning photography is best achieved at night. Daytime monsoon activity could include flash floods or haboob. The Colorado Plateau's (northern AZ) storms are often daytime occurring.
How does the precipitation fall?<u1></u1>
The Monsoon’s precip falls from localized raincores in an iso or scattered fashion and can be extremely heavy. When strong storms are present, expect the threat of street and desert flash flooding. Hail can be quarter sized. Larger is rare. Here is what one of the torrents looks like http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromTorrent.jpg<o></o>
<u1></u1>
What are some signs that it will be a good/bad chase day?<o></o>
The Monsoon flow comes primarily from Mexico, from the south. Winds from the southeast indicate a promising flow. West winds coming from the California deserts indicate drying and will push the storms to the east. A promising sign on a surface chart is the H sitting over the Four Corners (junction of AZ/New Mex/Colo/UT). The clockwise rotation of the H can bring the flow in from the southeast, one desirable synoptic condition. Higher dewpoints are favorable of course.<o>
</o>
What are my odds?<o></o>
Monsoon chasing is for the patient and persistent. This type of chasing can bring frustrations if someone can only stay for a long weekend or a couple of days. If this is the case, the expedition will have to chase very aggressively to harvest good photos from the Monsoon. Driving long distances across Arizona or New Mexico might be needed the shorter the time spent here. Hopes would be that visiting chasers would not hit a “breakâ€. If lucky, a visitor will hit the Monsoon pattern during one of the “burst†cycles, when violent severe weather is active and chasers needn't travel far.
<u1></u1>Some feel that to improve one’s odds, chasing at the onset or at the close of the season is often favorable. I can understand that. The second week of July can be more active, as well as can be Labor Day weekend. For myself, over 11 years of chasing monsoon, I have found that Labor Day weekend and the first week of September has held good promise. In August, the “burst and break†pattern can be more pronounced. Still, from early July through Sept, potential is there for a score or a bust at any time.<o>
</o><u1></u1>Odds can also be increased by staying east and southeast in the State of Arizona where the Monsoon flow is more generous. Recommended as well are more mountainous areas that are helped by orographic lift, rather than in the western deserts where it is hot and dry. (I do not chase Yuma/Quartzsite/Parker/Blythe for example, but rather, see my favored list below).<o>
</o><u1></u1>Arizona is only partially desert, although people often think it is all desert because they fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The State contains 6 life zones, ranging from Lower Sonoran desert to alpine. Alpine/Canadian or Hudsonian high country zones experience more active weather, as does the southeast corner of the State.
<o></o><u1></u1>
What is a “haboob†and how can I find one?<o></o>
The word “haboob†comes from the Arabic “habb†meaning “windâ€. In the Arizona Desert, a haboob is a sand wall, the same type that is seen in the Sahara, 2-3,000 ft high, rolling across the desert. They are spectacular to see but can cause zero visibility while driving. They form when a thunderstorm dies over desert terrain, fanning up a sand wall in all directions. A haboob is a prize for a chaser, due to the incredible appearance. Wide angle is recommended. They occur in the Phoenix metro area a few times per summer.
Here is a picture of a piece of a haboob coming into Phoenix. http://www.lightninglady.com/photos/StromSandstormAZ.jpg
A haboob is a sign of thunderstorm activity and considered promising for a night of chasing. <o>
</o><u1></u1>
What about desert wildlife?<o></o>
Arizona is home to a wide range of desert and mountain plants and animals.
<u1>
</u1>Noted animals include javalina (peccary/like pig), bobcat, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, desert bighorn sheep, deer, elk, pronghorn and coatimundi.<o>
</o><u1></u1>Common birds are quail, roadrunner, heron, flicker, gila woodpecker, red cardinal, cactus wren and of course hummingbirds and eagles & hawks, vultures and large owls. The Chiricahua alone is home to 300 different species of bird. Arizona attracts many birders.
<o></o><u1></u1>Reptiles that may be seen include lizards (such as Gila Monster), Western Diamondback, Mojave and Blacktail rattlesnakes, king snakes, banded gecko, just for starters.<o></o>
<u1></u1>
Insects are hardy including tarantula, scorpions, beetles such as cactus longhorn and palo verde, tarantula hawk wasp, Africanized bees, carpenter bees, wind scorpion, some mighty ants and beautiful butterflies such as Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail and Queen. Mosquitoes can also be experienced esp at dusk.<o></o>
<u1>
</u1>Large toads can also come out during Monsoon.<o></o>
<u1>
</u1>Scorpion tip: Don’t fear. They don’t go around looking for humans to sting. What they would like to sting is their next meal. I would be nervous only if I was a cricket or grasshopper. As a human, I check my shoes and I don’t walk around yards, patios and pools barefoot. Keep car doors closed while chasing, and don’t leave clothes on motel room floor. <o>
</o><u1></u1>
How hot does it get?<o></o>
Desert heat during Monsoon can be extreme. One-teens F can happen quite easily in the Sonoran Desert areas. Make sure to bring plenty (overcompensate) of water in the vehicle and car in good repair. It is worth looking up on a medical website how to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Also, I find that bananas, dates, and electrolyte/mineral powder from the health food store are of benefit. The high country (forests) offers relief.
<o></o><u1></u1>
What are some hazards?<u1></u1>
Aside from the natural dangers of lightning, flash floods (I will not cross), watch for shaky powerlines (they do come down), blowing debris such as large tumbleweeds or forest debris (Rim & Flagstaff) and also be aware of people doing various things in the desert, drinking, shooting, etc. There is still a Wild West factor out here. Animals are also a driving hazard, particularly elk on the Rim and roaming livestock on the rangeland.<o></o>
<u1></u1>
(Continued below...there was a wordcount limit)
<o>
</o>
Last edited by a moderator:
></o
