A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing wind. This is a huge sea breeze which occurs when the wind blows from the cooler ocean to the much warmer land mass. This wind shift usually brings about a significant change in the local weather.

Monsoons are typically associated with rainy seasons in the tropics.

In particular areas, life significantly depends on the monsoon rains. A weak monsoon rainy season may cause crop failures, drought, and hardship for humans and wildlife. On the other hand, heavy monsoon rains have caused enormous floods which have killed many people.

Besides, monsoons affect parts of central Africa, where their rain is crucial to supporting life in the region south of the Sahara Desert. Fewer monsoons circulations impact parts of the southwestern US. The summer rainy seasons bring much-required rain to the dry plateaus of New Mexico and Arizona.

These unpredictable weather patterns are a result of changes in the circulation of the atmosphere and rain that result from the warming of both the sea and the land. Even though many people associate monsoon with rain, they can include dry phases too.

The West African and the Asia-Australian monsoons are the main monsoon systems while there are also South – American and North -American monsoons.

Based on the location, a monsoon may not cause much change in weather conditions, while in some areas, it can convert a desert into green grassland. Monsoon doesn’t mean rain, although several people believe it is. Basically, it is just strong breezes that blow from cold to hot environments.

Interesting Monsoon Facts

1. There are nearly 500,000 lightning strikes during a monsoon.
2. The name ‘monsoon’ is believed to be derived from the Arabic word ‘mausim. ‘ Mausim means a shift in season or wind.
3. Arizona receives 31.5% of its total annual rainfall during a monsoon.
4. In several parts of the world, life depends on the monsoon rains. When the monsoon doesn’t occur in these places, it can result in extensive famine and death of both humans and animals.
5. In Arizona, during the monsoon season, it is also common to see a wall of dust that reaches hundreds of feet in the air.
6. Monsoon period officially ends on September 30th every year.
7. In the US, New Mexico, Southwest Texas, and Arizona are all regions with a monsoon season from June 15th to September 30th every year.

Preparing For The Monsoon Season

With the hazards that the monsoon brings, everyone in affected areas must make preparations that will keep them safe throughout the season.

Get Up-To-Date Weather Information

Dangerous conditions like lightning and flash floods happen a lot during the monsoon season. To be completely aware of what’s going on in the area where you live or traveling through, you have to pay attention to weather reports and updates.

Watching weather forecasts on TV or the internet regularly is a great idea. So is listening to radio reports about the weather. If you can subscribe to organizations that provide lightning and severe weather notification services, then that would be even better.

Prune Your Trees

The monsoon season brings high winds that are powerful enough to blow tree branches away. You don’t want flying tree branches hurting people or hitting your roof and damaging tiles and shingles, so cut the dead limbs off your trees before the season starts.

Prepare An Emergency Kit

An emergency go kit will come in handy in the event of severe weather conditions. Every family should have its own disaster supply kit that contains the following:

• Non-perishable food and water good for at least 72 hours
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated, portable radio
• Extra batteries
• Medications
• Copies of important documents
• First-aid kit

Flood Safety

Flash floods can occur during the monsoon season, so if your home is situated in a flood-prone area, it is always best to have an evacuation plan in place.

It would also help if you can store sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber, plywood, and other materials that can protect your property from floodwaters and minimize monsoon damage. If you have time, move essential possessions to a higher floor and turn off the main switches and valves of your utilities.

Get A Roof Inspection Done

In a season that brings torrential rains, you need to be doubly sure that your roof is in tip-top shape. A roof inspection will reveal whether your home’s primary protection against the elements is fine or might need some shingles or tiles replaced. While you’re at it, have your gutters cleared of leaves and debris to ensure that rainwater will flow away from your home.

These are just some of the things you can do to prepare for the monsoon season. Should your home require water damage restoration because of the severe weather conditions, feel free to contact us or call our office at (480) 775-8000, so we can help you deal with it quickly and efficiently.