8 things you need to know about monsoon season

Because it's here.

What you need to know about the monsoon season

1. When does it start?

Monsoon 2017 — Lightning touches down with a rain cell northwest of town on July 31, 2017, west of Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / 蜜桃影像AV

Since 2008, the National Weather Service has decreed a monsoon season from June 15 to September 30. However, it still keeps track of the 聽by a measure it used from 1949 until 2008 鈥� the first of three consecutive days with an average dew point of 54 or above.

Also known as chubasco, the summer rains bring much-needed moisture and cooler evenings. Not to mention lightning, heavy rain, high winds, flash flooding, hail and dangerous driving conditions.

2. Driving tips

Monsoon storm in Tucson — A Volkswagen Beetle driver braves a couple of feet of floodwater on Park Avenue at Pennsylvania that had bigger trucks and SUVs driving gingerly during a heavy monsoon storm moving that flooded southwest Tucson, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / 蜜桃影像AV
Kelly Presnell / 蜜桃影像AV

If you are caught in a severe storm and can鈥檛 drive safely, move completely off the road and stop with your lights off. Take your foot off the brake to make sure your brake lights aren't lit. This prevents other drivers from following your tail-lights, thinking you are still on the road. Never stop in the travel portion of the road.

Pro tip:聽Replace your windshield wipers before the monsoons start.

3. Be safe taking those awesome lightning photos

On average, 47 people die after being struck by lightning in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Arizona made up for one of those deaths during 2016's monsoon season.

The incident occurred mid-July in Coconino County while the individual was hiking.

Monsoon lovers should take cover when watching storms from afar. Most lightning strikes occur more than three miles away from the center of the thunderstorm, and have even been spotted as far as 15 miles.

Some tips to stay safe during nature鈥檚 light show include: stay indoors when you hear thunder, avoid using plumbing and electrical equipment and keep your distance from windows.聽

You can also keep track of lightning strikes recorded in your area at聽

Check out our best monsoon photos of 2018聽丑别谤别听and our readers' photos聽.

4. Say hello to your desert neighbors

Southern Arizona Gila monsters — Gila monster seen along a trail at Ventana Canyon.
Doug Kreutz / 蜜桃影像AV

Expect to see more Gila monsters, and other wildlife, come out to play on nights of high humidity.

According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Gila monsters live in washes that extend down into the valley.

But don't freak out. They're just out enjoying the weather like everyone else.

5. Monsoon season scent

Have you ever wondered why it smells so good after a rainy day? The smell actually comes from the creosote bush, which has medicinal properties.

While you鈥檙e waiting for the rain to hit or can鈥檛 get enough of the smell, buy yourself some creosote-scented lotion or ointment.聽

6. End of Monsoon is the beginning of prickly pear season

Blooming prickly pear cacti add a splash of color near a crested saguaro in Sabino Canyon.
Doug Kreutz / 蜜桃影像AV

With plentiful rain comes the beautiful green vibrance of the Sonoran Desert and the ruby red fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

This unique fruit, called a "tuna," grows from the pads of the cactus, creating an amazing edible crown that鈥檚 ready to harvest in September.

Tunas are used in a variety of foods and products, but some of our favorites include the聽,听听补苍诲听. 聽

7. Monsoon Safety Awareness

It鈥檚 Monsoon Awareness Week! Follow along with us and the other southwest NWS offices this week to learn about Monsoon weather & how to stay safe from the hazards that it can bring.
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson)