What is a Monsoon?
Mention the word “monsoon” to a Phoenix resident, and memories of heavy localized rain, wind gusts, power outages, flash floods and dust storms quickly come to mind. While most residents primarily think of a thunder storm, the monsoon season is more tied to wind shift rather than precipitation. The term “monsoon” comes from the Arabic “mausim” which means “season” or “wind shift.” During the summer wind shift which brings increased moisture and low pressure in the valley, you have essential ingredients of the monsoon season.
Defining the monsoon season
When I first arrived in Arizona, I asked why a summer rain storm is called a monsoon storm. The answer I received was that the Arizona monsoon seaon officially begins after the third consecutive day of a dew point above 55 degrees. On average, this occurred on July 7th and lasted for 2 months. Was this too confusing? Too technical? Apparently so because in 2008 the National Weather Service decided to make it simpler and set firm dates for the beginning and end of the Arizona monsoon season. Since 2008, June 15th is the first day of the monsoon, and September 30th is the last day. During July-August-September the average rainfall is 2.65 inches.
Stupid motorist law and flash floods
It may be hard to believe but with the heavy localized rain of a storm during the monsoon season, flooding is a common occurrence. And frequently, flash floods make streets impassable. Does this stop drivers from attempting to cross a flooded street? Nope. So what happens when a driver attempts to cross a flooded street that is barricaded and they get stuck? They can be fined under what is known as the “Stupid Motorist Law”, ARS 28:910, which went into effect in 1995. This is intended to protect “stupid” motorist, first responders, and help absorb the cost of a rescue. A helicopter in a rescue situation can cost up to $600/hour in addition to the fire department and police officers.
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Valley firefighters carried out several water rescues in the morning. Cost for emergency personnel at a water rescue starts around $4,000.
