The North American Monsoon

James Orndorf

Cochise County, Arizona, US

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The 2016 Monsoon has officially begun!

The North American Monsoon, otherwise known as the Mexican Monsoon or the Arizona Monsoon, is a pronounced weather pattern change over the Southwestern United States. It generally starts in early July and continues through mid-September.

This seasonal pattern change brings moisture up from the Gulfs of California and Mexico. This departure from the normal west to east flow decreases rain on the Great Plains and increases rain on the east coast. But most importantly, it brings the rains that bring the mountains and the deserts of the Southwest to life.