A Different Monsoon Pattern

This years monsoon pattern seems different.  Monsoon season moisture comes from the south and west with the storms coming from the same direction, but this year the storms are coming from the north and east.  While this pattern is producing good rainfall it is something different.  A 30 year resident commented on the change in the storm pattern but was also pleased with the results. 

Another lightning display was visible over the Chiricahua mountains the other night and below are some images from the storm.  These partially desaturated images of the storm provide a snapshot of the beautiful night time displays residents of the San Simon Valley and visitors to the Painted Pony Resort can expect during monsoon season.

Late September Monsoons in the Chiricahua Mountains

The monsoon season in the American southwest typically spans July through September.  This year the area has experienced a good monsoon season with plenty of rain falling across the valley and in the mountains.  Generally, the monsoonal airflow patterns slow and stop in late September.  But the other day the area experienced a great late summer monsoon.  The morning broke with clear skies but rapidly small cumulus clouds appeared over the Chiricahua Mountains.  These persisted throughout the morning, slowly growing and started producing showers in the afternoon.  It was a series of gentle rain showers across the area which were illuminated by shafts of sun light through the broken cloud cover.  It was a spectacular afternoon.

Cumulus clouds over the Chiricahua Mountains

Afternoon rain showers