“It’s Monsoon season.” -Jinkx Monsoon The summer monsoon season in the southwestern United States usually ranges from July to September where the prevailing winds over the desert southwest shift to bring more moisture up from the Gulf of California. This leads to thunderstorms regularly rolling in during the afternoons. Make sure you stay safe and plan ahead before visiting a park. ⚡️ Lightning can strike up to 10 miles (16 km) away from the nearest cloud. If you hear thunder, you are within that 10 mile range and should seek shelter immediately. When thunder roars, go indoors. The safest places to be are indoors or in your vehicle with the doors and windows closed. Stay sheltered for at least 30 minutes. ⛈💧 Monsoon rains can also cause flash flooding. Check the current flood risk before entering any slot canyons like at @zionnps. You can check the current flash flood potential on park websites. 🌈 After a storm is great time to see a different side of the park. Keep an eye out on the roads for frogs using the rain to move further from their waterholes in search of food. Monsoon season is a unique time of change and renewal in the park. Image: Lightning strike in a dark sky illuminates Zion National Park. Photo by Jesse Nelson #KnowBeforeYouGo #PlanLikeAParkRanger #RecreateResponsible #monsoonseason #thunderstorm #safety