The last orange light of sunset illuminating the very top of cliffs and peaks within a mile deep canyon landscape. white and orange tinged clouds fill a pastel blue sky up above. NPS Photo/M. Quinn, August 19, 2022.

Severe rainstorms have drowned many parts of the American Southwest this summer. Monsoons always bring inches of rain to the region each year, but this season has been exceptionally wet.

Grand Canyon National Park is reporting that the Grand Canyon Airport has received 7.93 inches of rain between June 15th and August 19th, 2022. For context, that’s 245% more than the average monsoon season.

The excess rain is a welcomed relief for a region that desperately needs more water, but the ongoing drought is leading to disastrous flash flooding and mudslides across the Southwest.

The Grandy Canyon is warning guest to seek shelter if a storm is on the horizon. Here’s the full statement:

May be an image of 8 people and nature

Between June 15 and August 19, 2022, Grand Canyon Airport received 7.93 inches of rain. That’s 245% more than during an average monsoon season!

On Thursday, August 18th, around noon in the North Rim Campground, storms began building overhead in a very active summer monsoon weather pattern. Luckily no one was present as lightning began to strike in the area.

Photos show the aftermath at North Rim Campground Site #9, after a ponderosa pine took a direct strike. Bark flew off as far as one hundred feet away.

If you are visiting Grand Canyon National Park and storms are predicted, be alert for lightning and the sound of thunder. If possible, take cover in a vehicle or structure if afternoon storms become active.

Always remember: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. —Jeremy Kane”

All Images Credit: Grand Canyon National Park

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