Monsoon season is a double-edged sword: it can be dangerous — and even deadly — but the rain makes desert summers a tad more bearable. Unfortunately, this year isn’t shaping up quite like it usually does. Over 80% of the Grand Canyon State is currently experiencing drought conditions due to inadequate rainfall. Here’s what you need to know:

Monsoon season, which runs from June until September here in Arizona, is characterized by thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, and flash flooding. This year, however, things have been a little different.
NPS/Stewart Holmes via Flickr
Above-normal temperatures with insufficient rainfall to counter the heat have plunged much of Arizona into drought.
Flickr/John Fowler
The state went from being 80% drought-free to 80% experiencing drought conditions in just three months, from May to the beginning of August.
July 2020 was the hottest month on record for Phoenix.
Flickr/Shawn Lyman
Typically a wet month, a July without ample precipitation can spell trouble for the rest of the summer season.

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The entire western U.S. routinely endures periods of drought, so this isn't anything out of the ordinary.
Flickr/steviep187
Even one wet year shouldn't be cause for excitement since conditions can so easily reverse course.
If this coming winter sees plenty of snowfall, the unprecedented dryness won't be a big deal. A wet winter is anything but guaranteed, however.
Coconino National Forest, U.S. Forest Service via Flickr
As of right now, you'll be hard-pressed to find a natural stream in Arizona with flowing water. This puts habitats and other natural areas at risk in terms of climate change.
Flickr/herdiephoto
Some parts of the state are listed as being in "severe" drought, including the Valley.
Flickr/G. Lamar
Only time will tell what the future holds, as the after effects of drought can persist for decades.

How do you feel about Arizona plunging into a drought? Let us know your thoughts, and check out our previous article to appreciate rainier monsoon seasons of the past: 25 Pictures Of The Arizona Monsoon Season That Will Take Your Breath Away.

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