Flora and Fauna News

Monsoon Moisture Makes Retreat

By Michael Plagens
Sonoran Desert Sciences

PHOENIX, Az. -----The summer monsoon, an altered wind direction with higher humidity from the east and south, officially began July 23th, 2007 even though there were scattered rain events prior to that date. Many parts of the Sonoran Desert region have been pummeled by significant precipitation including floods, yet some areas have received just sprinkles. Beginning late Monday a Pacific low off the California Coast begAn circulating drier air into the southwest effectively cutting off the threat of more precipitation. Predictions are that the moist flow will return by this coming weekend.

With lower humidity afternoon high temperatures have pushed past 40+ºC. Many seedlings germinated after the recent rains and will have to hold out for several days or longer until rainfall begins anew. Most will perish in the searing heat and a new wave of seeds will germinate after the next summer rainfall event.

Creosote after months without rain.

Creosote a week after summer rains.