Welcome To Monsoon Season - Here's What to Expect

news image
Top Stories
20 Jun 2026 1:10 AM

WELCOME TO THE NORTH AMERICAN MONSOON SEASON.

The North American Monsoon Season (NAMS) spans from June 15 through September 30th. It is also referred to as the Southwest Monsoon and is typically strongest during July and August.

What is the North American Monsoon?

The North American Monsoon is a seasonal change in atmospheric circulation that occurs during the summer across northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California. The monsoon can bring stormy weather, flooding rains, dust storms, extreme heat, and wildfire concerns to the region.

As the land heats up during the summer months and high pressure develops over the Southwest, a shift in wind patterns pulls moisture northward from the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. This increase in moisture provides fuel for thunderstorms. As a result, the region can experience afternoon and evening thunderstorms, heavy rainfall over short periods of time, frequent lightning, gusty outflow winds, flash flooding (especially in canyons and burn scar areas), and occasionally dust storms.

Seasonal Outlook

For the upcoming season, the Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal Drought Outlook indicates that drought is likely to persist across portions of the Four Corners region, but improvement is expected in many areas. Meanwhile, drought conditions across Nevada are forecast to persist and may even expand.

Something to note, the CPC is not guaranteeing a wet monsoon season, but they are favoring above-normal precipitation and improved odds of drought relief.

Why is it so important?

The monsoon provides a large portion of the annual rainfall for many desert locations across the Southwest. In Arizona, for example, the monsoon can account for nearly half of the state's yearly precipitation. This rainfall can help reduce drought impacts, improve soil moisture, and lower wildfire risk. However, it can also bring hazards such as flash flooding and dangerous lightning.

For more on this season's monsoonal storm chances, be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest forecast and updates.

All Weather News
More
Flood Threat to Bring Big Changes to Texas

Flood Threat to Bring Big Changes to Texas

Hurricane Polo is moving north, set to make l

30 Sep 2026 6:05 PM
Tropical Update: EPAC Active; Atlantic Quiet

Tropical Update: EPAC Active; Atlantic Quiet

Pacific BasinThe Pacific Ocean has been incre

30 Sep 2026 6:00 PM
Plains & Midwest Set To Receive Heavy Rain

Plains & Midwest Set To Receive Heavy Rain

WHAT TO EXPECTTropical moisture from the remn

30 Sep 2026 6:00 PM
Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of

30 Sep 2026 5:55 PM
Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast over the Weekend

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast over the Weekend

A Nor'easter...in September? While most peopl

28 Sep 2026 6:30 PM
Nolo Moving West; Flooding Still Possible on Kauai

Nolo Moving West; Flooding Still Possible on Kauai

Hurricane Nolo spared the Hawaiian Islands fr

28 Sep 2026 12:45 PM
Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

FLASH FLOODINGIt has been a very active week

24 Sep 2026 12:10 PM