Stories - AZPM

Lightning flashes over the Tucson mountains as seen from Windy Point in the Santa Catalina mountains.

The Buzz: Lightning and Southern Arizona

As the monsoon hits our area, we look at why lightning is such a big part of those storms.

Monsoon madness forecast game returns

Online prognosticators invited to guess rainfall totals in Tucson and other regional cities.

The Verde River near the site of a dam that was removed in 2022.

The Buzz takes a trip down the Verde River

Meet a man who has made saving this unique waterway his life's work

A vacant lot is used as a place to stack and assemble sandbags for use by residents whose properties are at risk of flooding.

The Buzz: A strong monsoon brings road closures and floods

Why does some infrastructure get overwhelmed by above-average summer rain?

A rafting outfitter motors through Lake Powell's delta.

As Lake Powell's water level declines, what is emerging in Glen Canyon?

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "The King of Sting" talks monsoons and insects; Author and illustrator Adam Rex on being "Writer in Residence" at the library; and a Medieval marital dispute -- over a video game -- from "Stories That Soar!".

Looking east towards downtown Tucson from Tumamoc Hill. From January 2022.

Pima County Issues Ground-Level Ozone Advisory

Thursday marks the second consecutive day of an advisory.

Fire managers have restricted campfires in Arizona to limit the risk of human-caused fire following a wet winter.

Some fire restrictions ease ahead of the holiday weekend

Officials warn to always check restriction status before starting a fire.

Mated pair of Great Plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus) in the floodplain of the Santa Cruz River.

The Desert Blooms in a Bountiful Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why the music of the rock group Fanny is rocking a whole new generation!

Soldier Canyon in the Catalina Mountains.

Measuring the Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: 'Tis the season for mushroom hunters on Mount Lemmon; and "Gloria: A Life" returns to The Invisible Theatre.

This five day precipitation forecast map released by the National Weather Service on July 21, 2021 shows that much of the state's midsection is expected to get at least one inch of rainfall, with some areas receiving up to three inches, by Saturday night. Nearly all of the state is under a flash flood watch through 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

Flash flood watch through Saturday

NWS predicts 2006-style rainstorms into the weekend.

Participants walk along the Rillito River path in on the tours held by members of Watershed Management Group.

Will Water Return to Tucson's Washes?

A group hopes to restore running water to the city's watershed.

Rain and sunlight interact over Tucson, July 5, 2018.

4 More Weeks of Monsoon, Tucson Has Beaten Normal Rain Totals

Tucson has received more than six inches of rain since the monsoon began, and much of Southern Arizona has surpassed normal totals.

Raindrops fall in pooling water on a Tucson street.

Weather Service: Heavy Flood Potential Through Friday

Moist and unstable air mean flooding is possible anytime, anywhere.

Monsoon Lightning Zaps Tucson Weather Radar Tower

Forecasters used work-arounds during weekend thunderstorms.

The remains of trees burned by the Frye Fire in 2017.

Mt. Graham Visitors Urged to be Weather Aware

Flash flooding risk is high after last year's fire.

Monsoon clouds build up over the Catalina Mountains in this photo shot from the University of Arizona campus. From July 2018.

Monsoon Moisture Leads to Drop in Fire Restrictions

Various agencies will lift the restrictions starting on Friday, thanks to seasonal precipitation.

More Arizona Environment Monsoon Stories