Few weather events are more anticipated at the Grand Canyon than the arrival of the summer rains. It is typically early July when the so-called “monsoon” kicks in, bringing with it higher humidity, welcome clouds, and scattered thundershowers.
True to form, the storms arrived on July 3rd, and have been treating residents, visitors, plants, and animals to the occasional deluge ever since. The mood this year was exceptionally jubilant given this year’s extremely dry winter in Arizona, and the resulting tinder dry conditions in the regional forests.
With the diminished threat of catastrophic wildfires, the National Park Service recently lifted fire restrictions for residents and visitors.