Flora and Fauna News

At Last! --
Storms Bring Rain

By Michael Plagens
Sonoran Desert Sciences

    PHOENIX ----- The summer of 2000 has been difficult for all of the desert residents because moisture delivered via monsoon winds has been so very stingy. As in much of the western United States, drought and high temperatures have persisted resulting in forest fires caused by dry thunderstorms, and failure of summer vegetation and berries. Hungry animals are being driven into human habitats in search of food while humans either swelter or run up killer electric bills.
    Yesterday evening, remnants of a Pacific tropical storm, "Beryl" swept into the desert southwest and finally dropped some generous rainfall with most areas getting 15 to 60 mm. So late in the summer, its main effect will only be to tide perennials like cacti and shrubs until winter rains come in December.
     Many areas near Phoenix were hit with a large dust storm in the early evening of August 13 driving visibility down to less than half a kilometer. Dust storms form ahead of often dry thunderstorms that move over areas with abundant loose soil. South of Phoenix the vast flood plain of the Gila River can be a major source of dust. Fallow agricultural fields, heavy cattle grazing, construction, and off road vehicles exacerbate the severity. Dust storms in the past have been deadly here for motorists. Several incidents over the years have resulted in dozens of fatalities with piles of crumpled trucks, cars and busses. Travelers are urged to delay motoring when dust storm conditions are predicted. In the event that a dust storm overcomes you, immediately drive away from the roadway completely and turn off the headlights.
    

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