Arizona Vacation Planner: Guide to Arizona Weather and Monsoon Season by:Paula Hartgraves
When planning a vacation, checking the climate and learning weather forecast during
the days of your visit are two of the things that a smart traveler must do. In addition, if you are traveling to a place that regularly gets hit by extreme weather conditions during some parts of the year, it's especially vital that you're prepared.Being vigilant about the weather is especially wise when you visit Arizona. You see, this state comprises mainly of desert and may have little rainfall. But when the month of July comes, it is best to be aware of the fact that it is the beginning of the monsoon season.
Now what is a monsoon? Monsoon is defined as a period of a heavy rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, the monsoon season in Arizona begins around the first week to the middle of July and may last until the month of September. Among the weather disturbances, monsoon brings fierce thunderstorms, flash floods, and strong dust storms. And the change from fair sunny weather to hard bleak rain could come in just a few minutes during monsoon season. This is why people, especially visitors, are advised to be vigilant when hiking over the Sonoran Desert, or wandering anywhere in Arizona for that matter especially during monsoon season.
However, if you find yourself in the middle of a dust storm, thunderstorm, or flash flood, there are things you can do to minimize your chances of getting hurt or seriously injured. The foremost things one should always do when deciding to travel anywhere in Arizona are to be smart and responsible. You can check the following tips below:
1) Check the weather conditions before going out, and make sure you are well equipped for any possible circumstance. The National Weather Service broadcasts warnings of any possible extreme weather condition both on the television and radio.
2) Keep a first-aid kit in the car or in your backpack, especially when you are hiking. You never know when you might need it.
3) Whenever you travel, do not forget to bring some food, a flashlight, and a mobile phone just in case you get stranded somewhere due to flash floods or thunderstorms. Food must be sufficient enough to last until you are rescued. However, be careful when using your phone during storms as it can attract lightning surges. If you see lightning and hear loud thunder, wait a few minutes before using it.
4) Do not forget to be alert. If you are outside, whether you are hiking or just checking the sights, check the sky every few minutes. If you see large heavy clouds, immediately look for shelter. Those clouds most likely mean heavy rain and lightning surges.
5) Also check for the sound of thunder. Even if there are no large clouds or rain, lightning storms can still occur. And when you hear thunder less than half a minute after seeing a flash of lightning, immediately take cover because that means the surges are just a few miles from where you are.
6) Do not be complacent. Even if you are indoors, you still need to take precautions. When there is a coming storm, unplug all your appliances and board up your windows. If you are in a car, look for some form of shelter near you. If you cannot find one, stay inside your car, close your windows, and avoid touching any metallic part inside your car.
7) Lastly, if you find yourself facing a flooded street or road, do not attempt to cross it. This is not just dangerous but is also against the law.
Despite the hazards brought by monsoons, however, locals look forward to the monsoon season because it is one of the few times that the temperature in this desert state abates, no matter how momentarily.
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Discover the excitement of Arizona's monsoon season at http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-weather.html
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