Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Not yet

There's a period in Arizona we affectionately call "the Monsoon". Natives and newcomers associate it with the coming of rain after months of drought. I drove through what was nearly a downpour yesterday. There was more falling today and the skies were very threatening.


But I heard a fellow from the National Weather Service saying this was not the monsoon. It might get wet in Northern Arizona for a couple of days but it was a couple of months too early for the monsoon.
Incidentally, "monsoon" really has nothing to do with moisture, though rain usually accompanies it. A monsoon season just means that the prevailing winds have shifted direction.

4 comments:

  1. Learn something every day on the net!!
    I have tagged you for some questions... please dont feel obligated, but you usually have good answers.

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  2. We have enough rain here for everyone. You're welcome to some of it.

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  3. I can't wait for monsoons! My favorite part of the year. The rain these past few days is just a tease. :)

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  4. Meggie - Uh-oh. I'll have to examine those questions!

    Steve - We can always use some of your rain.

    Tombo - Yes, me too. I opened the door this morning and could smell moisture in the air, even though nothing was reaching the ground yet.

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