The Arizona Monsoon Season officially began on June 15th, 2008, and will end on September 15th, 2008.

This is the first year that weather administration officials have used a set date for the beginning and ending of the Arizona monsoon. The old standard had been set by actual weather conditions; when the dew point exceeded 55 degrees for three consecutive days - the monsoon had started. So far, we have yet to even come close to the previous definition, (although we have seen an increase in afternoon clouds here in Northern Arizona lately). Nonetheless, the monsoon season will start soon enough (we hope...as we can always use the rain). 

Familiarize yourself with the local weather patterns which can produce violent afternoon thunderstorms. In case of lightning, avoid hiking in exposed locations like cliff edges or being near isolated tall objects like trees and metal poles during these and other stormy times. In order to monitor a storm front, remember that sound carries at one mile per five seconds, so if you count the number of seconds after you see a flash of lightning and divide it by five, you’ll know about how far away the storm is. If caught in a lightning storm, get to a low area that does not collect water, take off your pack, and squat low on your sleeping pad (for insulation), if possible. In your tent, stay on your sleeping pad and do not touch the tent walls. If at any time you feel the hair rise on the back of your neck, get down quick!

Also, please make sure you stay out of Canyon washes during afternoon thunderstorms. Flash floods in the desert kill many people each year - thus the saying out here, "There are two ways water can kill you in the desert, by thirst or by drowning!"

Hike Safe & Have Fun!
Brian