Monsoon season begins June 15

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Monsoon season starts Thursday, June 15 and continues through September 30.

Locals should prepare and know exactly what to do to survive what can sometimes be a wicked weather season.

That also includes keeping your yard clean as wind and dust storms can cause unsecured items to become airborne and keeping your car air conditioning system well maintained as extreme heat is also expected.

National Weather Service Lead Meteorologist Gabriel Lojero said, “Monsoons can bring a variety of hazards. It’s not just rain and thunderstorm and flash flooding that also can bring other hazards, such as dust storms excessive heat as well as wildfires.” 

Flooding and rainstorms are typical during the season.

Captain Gary Slade of Rural Metro Fire wants the public to be floodwater smart.

“Number one thing they need to prepare for is their safety, don’t go into a flooded area if there are a lot of areas with a lot of debris or trash or a lot of trees. Avoid those areas, know an emergency entrance or another emergency exit in case your area gets blocked off,” explained Captain Slade.

According to the National Weather Service out of Phoenix, Yuma is below average in rainfall so far this year.

For more monsoon safety tips, click HERE.