What to Know for Monsoon Season 2017

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Caleb Worpel
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
As we enter the summer months, rising temperatures, lightning, dust and moisture fill the air. 2017 is already breaking records in terms of heat, but what could this mean for other types of weather?

June 15th officially marks the beginning of monsoon season in Arizona bringing a higher risk of severe thunderstorms, flooding, dust storms and high winds affecting the mission at Luke AFB and surrounding communities.

“The monsoon associated weather may cause thunderstorms, lightning, aircraft icing, turbulence, high winds, crosswinds, dust, low visibility, heavy rains and wet runways,” explained Staff Sgt. Jerry Conley, 56th Operations Support Squadron weather craftsman. “All of these factors limit flight and ground safety as well as what our pilots may accomplish.”

According to Conley, the monsoons are caused by wind changes from the south east bringing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Gulf of California. Intense surface heating creates areas of lower pressure over Arizona which causes moisture to lift and become thunderstorms. Monsoon season officially is over on September 30th but most active weather will occur during July and August.

Conley explains that there are simple precautions everyone can take to prepare for monsoon season.

“Keep informed on weather reports to avoid flooding,” Conley said. “Avoid driving when expecting heavy rains and high winds. Have a disaster supply kit in case of electrical, water or gas outages. Have an evacuation plan from your area if it is known for flooding and plan on staying indoors in air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day.”

Although monsoon season is mostly known for its severe weather, it does bring with it some benefits too.

“The overall weather pattern brings lots of moisture into the area,” said Staff Sgt. Zackary Taylor, 56th Operations Support Squadron weather craftsman. “The rain replenishes the groundwater and is an essential part of our ecosystem.”

To stay safe if caught in inclement weather, Conley offers the following tips:

Floods
• Get to high ground.
• While driving - slow down in standing water and heavy rains to avoid hydroplaning. Do not drive around barricaded areas. Avoid roads that are flooded, you may get stuck.
• Do not drive through flowing water; even 10 inches of flowing water can float a vehicle.

Lightning
• Go indoors or into a fully enclosed metal topped vehicle.
• Do not touch wiring (corded phones, video games, electrical outlets plugs, etc.)
• Wait for all lightning to subside before returning outdoors.

Dust Storms
• Pull over and wait it out.
• Turn off your lights while pulled over so that people still driving do not attempt to follow your tail lights and crash into you while you are stopped off the road.

For more information continue checking your local weather forecast or call Luke Air Force Base weather at 623-856-2992.