Monsoons are a huge part of the southwest experience. Water from snow melt can bring a little spring color. A few flowers and bugs emerge slowly among the burnt yellow, pale green, and brown landscape. But once the monsoon rains come in July and August (sometimes June), the landscape and wildflowers burst with vibrant hues. It is an amazing transition. A very much anticipated season, the monsoon brings not only much needed rain, but also relief from the heat. The build up for a storm is hours, with clouds rolling in slowly and ominously. Eventually giving the earth shade from the sun, slightly cooling the air. The monsoon in Arizona is caused by high altitude winds carrying a lot of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. The convection heated air rises quickly, building large and dense clouds that reach tremendous heights. When the cool air can no longer hold the moisture that has risen, the thunderstorms occur. I took this photo a morning after a monsoon storm. Looking forward to more to come!