FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The monsoon season was a dud across much of the U.S. Southwest this year, bringing high hope but delivering little rainfall.
Several communities in northern Arizona had the driest monsoon season on record, including Flagstaff. Phoenix's season was the fifth driest recorded.
The seasonal weather pattern is characterized by a shift in wind patterns and moisture being pulled in from the tropical coast of Mexico. It runs from mid-June through the end of September.
Usually, it means rain that can cool down scorching cities, water crops and reduce wildfire risk. But it also can be disappointing.
The Four Corners region had abnormally low rainfall. St. George in southern Utah received traces of rain.
Las Vegas got a little more than a quarter-inch, making it the 14th driest on record.