Arizonans Urged to Be Ready for Monsoon Season
The season is Arizona's most active weather period, beginning in mid-June and ending in late September. Residents and visitors can expect extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, and dust storms, and possibly flash floods and wildfires.
Arizona state officials are reminding state residents to be ready for the storms, flash floods, wildfires, and related hazards that can come with monsoon season. Gov. Doug Ducey proclaimed June 12-17 is Monsoon Awareness Week in the state in order to prepare for the 2016 monsoon and summer's severe weather.
The season is Arizona's most active weather period, beginning in mid-June and ending in late September. Residents and visitors can expect extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, and dust storms, and possibly flash floods and wildfires.
"Monsoon storms can cause serious personal injury and property damage," said Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Deputy Director Wendy Smith-Reeve. "I strongly encourage the whole community to take the necessary steps to prepare themselves, their family, and property."
Dr. Cara M. Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, wrote a post on her agency's blog urging Arizonans to be ready. "This is a good time to consider how you and your family can stay healthy when monsoon hits," she wrote. "Do you know what to do when it’s extremely hot outside? Staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed will help. Are you prepared for a wildfire in your community? We have resources you can use to protect yourself and your family during a wildfire and to stay healthy when you return home. While it seems dry now, heavy rainfall has caused flooding in recent years throughout the state, so it’s a good idea to review flood safety resources. And of course, with flooding comes an increase in mosquito activity. Protecting your family from mosquito bites by stopping mosquitos from breeding in and around your home will keep you safe from the dangerous diseases these pesky creatures can spread."