Arizona WeatherWeather in Arizona Isn't Just A
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Arizona weather? We know what you're thinking. Isn't it always sunny here?
With Arizona's tourism office touting "over 300 days of sunshine" per year, most visitors expect warm sun and clear skies every day.
It is true that the weather in Arizona's desert regions is generally sunny, hot, and arid.
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| Monsoon thunderclouds rise over the Baboquivari Mountains southwest of Tucson |
However, Arizona has some dramatic weather phenomenon that every Arizona vacationer and resident should know about.
First, it's important to remember that weather in Arizona can be quite variable from region to region.
How hot it is will depend upon where you are in the state and the time of the year.
While Arizona summers are known for extreme hot temperatures, they are also a time of dramatic thunderstorms, spectacular lightning, flash floods, dust storms, and dust devils.
Regional Arizona Weather Conditions
Arizona weather conditions can vary greatly depending on where you are. March in Phoenix can be quite warm while in Flagstaff there will still be snow on the ground. See a general overview of weather throughout the year for the three major Arizona regions to help you know what to pack and when to travel.
Rain, Monsoons and Monsoon Safety
Yes, it does rain in Arizona although when and how much depends on larger climactic factors. While winter rains are usually gentle, it's the summer monsoon thunderstorms that capture everyone's attention. Just what is a monsoon? Learn what you need to know about monsoons and basic monsoon safety tips.
A flash flood is one of the most dramatic and dangerous weather hazards. Every year, Arizonans cross flooded roads and washes and must be rescued. Learn when flash floods occur and some simple safety tips so you don't get stuck in the mud.
Lightning and Lightning Safety Tips
Southern Arizona is famous for its summer thunderstorms which often produce amazing lightning displays. One Tucson storm in 2000 had 1,982 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in a 3-hour period! Because lightning is such a frequent occurrence, everyone should know basic lightning safety tips.
Imagine a mile high wall of dust heading right for you. That's what it's like to encounter an Arizona dust storm. Find out when dust storms occur and what driving tips you should know to keep safe on the road.
Drive across the Arizona desert during the warm weather months and you might see a common Arizona weather phenomenon – the dust devil. Though most are harmless, powerful ones have knocked out power and torn the roofs off small buildings. Find out what to do if you encounter one.
Monsoon thunderstorms can do significant damage and dramatically alter the landscape. Just such an occurrence happened in July 2006 to Tucson's beloved Sabino Canyon. Check out our page on this historic Arizona weather event.
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