The Southwest United States and parts of Mexico are experiencing a seasonal weather phenomenon that many eagerly anticipate. As clouds gather in the afternoon sky, bringing gusty winds and sudden rain showers, residents hope for the moisture needed to mitigate wildfire threats and support water systems.
According to meteorologists, this year’s monsoon season began on June 15 and will continue through September. It has started off wet, with areas in New Mexico and West Texas receiving substantial rainfall, whereas Arizona and Nevada are dealing with the typical dust storms that accompany the season.
Las Vegas experienced a dramatic start to July when the monsoon brought intense thunderstorms and dust storms, resulting in significant power outages as utility infrastructure was damaged.
Unlike other global regions where monsoons can mean prolonged heavy rainfall, North American monsoons vary considerably, influenced by moisture levels and wind directions.
The monsoon season is crucial for easing drought conditions, which have been severe in areas like the Navajo Nation and parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. These regions have faced below-average precipitation, prompting officials to declare emergencies due to the growing threat of wildfires and the scarcity of forage for livestock.
Though monsoonal rains account for only a portion of the West’s water supply, largely dependent on winter snowpack, they nonetheless play a role in easing drought impacts by helping to replenish groundwater, soil moisture, and reducing wildfire risks.
New Mexico and Arizona benefit significantly from the monsoon, receiving 10% to 60% of their annual rainfall during this period. Southern Nevada also receives about 20% to 25% of its summer precipitation from these rains.
Farmers along the Rio Grande, such as those at Santa Ana Pueblo, closely monitor the skies, hoping for more rain. Pueblo Gov. Myron Armijo remarked on their reliance on nature, stating, “You know, it’s not up to us.”
While the rains bring relief, they also raise concerns about flooding, especially in regions with dry riverbeds or areas scarred by fires. Communities like Tucson, Albuquerque, and San Antonio have set up sandbag stations in preparation. In Española, a historic bridge over the Rio Grande was closed due to erosion concerns.
On the edge of the Gila National Forest, the New Mexico National Guard has distributed sandbags to residents anticipating floods following a large wildfire. Similarly, firefighters are hoping for rain to help control a blaze on the Navajo Nation.
Artist Daniel McCoy finds inspiration in the interplay of weather and landscape, often reflected in his work. His studio in Santa Fe, where he prepares for a gallery show, is surrounded by the dynamic scenery shaped by the monsoon. McCoy, originally from Oklahoma, has adapted to the Southwest’s water challenges and feels connected to the natural cycles, saying, “When you’re outside working, it’s a different kind of time.”
A sign near his studio captures the local sentiment: “El Agua No Se Vende. El Agua Se Defiende,” emphasizing the communal effort to protect this vital resource.
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