Grand Canyon West Summer monsoon season

Each year, from July to September, a season known as the monsoon descends on Grand Canyon West, creating spectacular thunder and lightning storms that have thrilled travelers for years. Of course, there are risks associated with lightning. However, if you follow a few precautions, you'll safely experience one of the planet's best natural "fireworks shows."

The word "monsoon" is Arabic for "a season." It was first used to describe the winds over the Arabian Sea that blow southwest for half a year then switch direction and blow northeast for the other half. Europe, Africa, and the western coasts of Chile and the U.S. experience a monsoon season.

The monsoon that comes to Arizona is nothing like the one that douses India, for example (In fact, Arizona's is rather marginal, dumping an average of 2.45 inches of rain in three months), and is the result of cool air from the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico meeting the hot air of the desert to produce thunderstorms. The monsoon officially starts when the average daily dew point is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

The most important thing for travelers to the West Rim to remember about thunderstorms is lightning, and the rule of thumb is this: If you can hear thunder, lightning is nearby. Here are a few tips if you get stuck in storm:

If a thunderstorm is nearby, stay indoors or get inside a vehicle (not a convertible).
Do not use cellular phones
If you are outside, avoid isolated trees or utility poles. Don't stand on open hilltops. Seek shelter under a thick growth of small trees.
Get off or away from open water. If you are in a group in the open, stay several yards apart from each other.

During thunderstorms, the Grand Canyon Skywalk will be closed to the public until the storm passes. Skywalk management will also close the attraction if lightning is sighted in a two-mile radius.

Flash floods are a common feature of monsoon thunderstorms. If you drive to the West Rim, be aware that the last 10 miles to the Park entrance is dirt road. If you find yourself stuck in fast-moving water, get out and seek higher ground. Same applies if your vehicle stalls in a wash. Hikers are also urged to go to higher ground if they are in gullies or canyons during a thunderstorm.

Typical monsoon-related thunderstorms are powerful but brief, and do not lead to trip cancellations or rescheduling (this applies to bus, helicopter, and rafting tours). Many people find this to be one of the best times to visit Grand Canyon West. The temperatures cool down. The horizon is filled with thunderheads. Lightning puts on a natural light show. But most unique is the fresh sage and creosote smell of the Mojave Desert after a good downpour.

Your chances of getting physically affected by monsoon storms are slight. Each year in Arizona, flooding results in up to three causalities and lightning up to two. Remember, the monsoon is the weakest in Northern Arizona. Most of these accidents happen from Phoenix down to the border of Mexico. However, you still need to take the precautions, and, by doing so, you'll have an incredible Grand Canyon West Rim experience.

Grand Canyon South Rim Monsoon Season

Planning a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon this summer? Be prepared for the monsoon, a time cycle lasts from July to September, and marked by storms, floods and lightning.

The basic definition of the monsoon is "seasonal winds." Here's how the apparent wind at the Grand Canyon National Park:

Moist air from the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California, which flows northward
The cold air collides with warm air of Arizona
Three consecutive days when the dew point is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above marks the beginning of the season
The unstable environment culminating in rain, thunder, lightning and
The probability of precipitation increases when there are mountains nearby

monsoon items usually watch 11-6 before the order is placed, try darkening skies, flashes of light and wind increasing. In addition, listening Thunder. If you recognize any of these signs, seek shelter in a building or car. In nature, find shelter under the trees soon. Here are some suggestions:

Keep windows closed and avoid convertibles
Avoid using the phone
Avoid bathing or showering
Draw blinds and shades on the windows (glass is broken inside prevented by strong gusts of wind)

Thunderstorms can produce a lot of rain in a short time. The result is flooding. If you walk in> Canyon looking hill. If driving, do not cross washes with water in them - the flow is surprisingly fast and deep. If car stalls in rapidly rising water, leave the vehicle and climb to higher ground.

Lightening is common, and at registered as important people. If you hear thunder, seek shelter. However, if a person is interested, here are some facts of emergency:

People affected by lightning have no electric charge and can be operated safely.
Get Helpquickly
The victim received an electric shock and can be burned. Treat accordingly.
Give first aid (CPR) until help arrives

In Arizona, about two minutes before three people a year die in flash floods, the 01.59 clock by lightning. Take the right precautions and your chances may be affected by the monsoon can be reduced to almost zero.

The monsoon is one of the most dramatic moments to visit the South Rim. Storm clouds are huge and shows the degree ofCanyon. The temperatures are cooler. Lightning provides a natural stimulant show "fireworks." The images taken with your digital camera shots in a surprising result. The circle after a fresh rain rain glistens in the sun and evaporated. This incredible atmosphere is unique in the monsoon, the months of monsoon so popular with the discerning visitor.

Conclusion

The monsoon is approximately three months, where the moist air meets warm air to produce spectacularThunderstorm. The rain and lightning strikes are common, too, and can be dangerous if certain precautions are not observed. to take basic measures such as a storm approaches to the accommodation and a higher level is to be found. The monsoon also strengthens the Grand Canyon experience with huge storm clouds and lightning as a backdrop, this season spectacular for photos. If you down a bit 'dramatic' natural 'for your travel, now is the time to visit the South Rim.