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More Arizona Environment Weather Stories

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.
The sun shines harshly behind a saguaro cactus.

Low saguaro reproduction numbers at national park in Tucson

Drought cycle that dates to the mid-1990s thought to be responsible
In the 1990s, small, independent antique shops began to fold and dealers relocated into large antique malls. Midtown Antiques in Stillwater, Minnesota is likely the largest in the upper Midwest.

"Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Adiba Nelson shares an open love letter to all women, everywhere; and how UA scientists are understanding climate change through research in the Southern Ocean.
The crew of the whaling vessel Pequod, portrayed by Ryan Parker Knox, Christopher Pankratz, Aaron Shand and Eduardo Rodriguez, in The Rogue Theatre's stage adaptation of "Moby Dick".

The great white whale, sighted in Tucson!

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A conversation with ecologist Brad Lancaster; and the series "Youth Crossing Gender Borders" begins.
Verónica Reyes-Escudero examines photos from the de la Torre family collection at UA Special Collections.

UA Special Collections: Preserving the Stories

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The TUSD's ongoing debate about expanding sex education; Is there any hope left for the 2019 monsoon?; and has Arizona's "stupid motorist law" increased flash flood safety?
Raindrops fall in pooling water on a Tucson street.

Rosa Brings Rain, But It Doesn't Break Records

Most of the precipitation from the storm fell on the west side of Tucson.
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.
A lightning strike over east Tucson.

Monsoon Lightning Zaps Tucson Weather Radar Tower

Forecasters used work-arounds during weekend thunderstorms.
Collaborative multi-media artists Bailey Hikawa and Scotty Wagner are Emotional.Store, performing as part of their "100 Year Plan".

Fight Your Fear of the Future with a "100 Year Plan"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Is Arizona ready for wildfires on the scale of those ravaging California?, how to help hummingbirds beat the peak summer heat, and stories of kindness in action.
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.
The sand spider, Homalonychus selenopoides, takes a dust bath after each molt.

The Secret Life of Spiders

Also on Arizona Spotlight: a new dust detection system on I-10; cumbia rhythm energizes downtown Tucson; and a story about the perils of being a king.
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.
A file photo of lightning striking the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Lightning-Sparked Blazes Mean Decisions for Fire Managers

Naturally occurring fires can be managed for some benefit, but often must be extinguished for safety concerns.

Prescott Cancels July 4 Fireworks Show Amid Fire Danger

Dry conditions cause concern for public safety, according to city's fire chief

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