5 Things Every Home In Arizona Should Do Ahead of Monsoon Season

• Monsoon season in Arizona lasts from about June through September.
• Since 2008, the official dates are June 15th through September 30th, according to the National Weather Service.
• Monsoon season can bring a lot of different weather to Arizona, and it can cause damage to buildings and landscaping. Here are ways to prepare.

I'll admit, my favorite time of year in Arizona is monsoon season. I mentioned this to my spouse the other night, and he said, "Yeah, that's because you're not running around fixing the damage."

That's true. I'm mostly a flashlight holder and tool-hander-over-er. We both know that getting ready for the monsoons before the rains come is always the best tactic.

When Does Monsoon Season Begin in Arizona?

When I first got to Arizona, the standard way to measure the start of monsoon season was "three consecutive days with an average dew-point temperature of at least 55 degrees."

According to National Weather Service records, the most commonly recorded start date between 1948 until 2017 was July 3, when measured by the old standard. Since 2008, the official dates are now June 15th through September 30th.

Arizona Monsoon Danger and How to Prepare

Monsoons bring more than just rain to our deserts. The weather system also brings periods of extreme heat, especially just before the full start of monsoon season. Storms also bring high winds, dust storms, flash floods, and our world-famous lightning.

Before the monsoon season fully arrives in Arizona, homeowners can take steps to prepare their homes for damage related to severe weather.

Here are five key actions to consider:

1. Inspect Your Roof: Check for any damage or places where potential leaks could happen.
2. Secure Items Outdoor: Make sure patio furniture, garden tools, and other outdoor items are secured or put away to prevent them from damaging or becoming projectiles in high winds.
3. Clear Gutters and Drains: Make sure your drainage system is clean and clear of any debris so nothing gets backed up.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches can be dangerous during storms. Help reduce property damage or power outages by clearing tree branches away.
5. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Get a kit ready for emergencies. Stock it with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies. Consider getting a home generator in case the electricity goes out for longer than a few hours.

[ Sources: National Weather Service | George Brazil HVAC | Parker and Sons | Food Storage Moms ]