2021 brought warm days and a soggy monsoon to Tucson, taking spots in the top five warmest and top 15 wettest years on record.
According to the National Weather Service, 2021 was the fifth-warmest year on record, averaging 71.9 degrees. The top spot belongs to 2017, which averaged 73.2 degrees.
2021 was also the 14th-wettest year on record with a total of 15.19 inches of rainfall, NWS said. 1905 is the wettest year on record, totaling 24.17 inches of rain.
This year, Tucson saw an above-average monsoon, ranking as the third-wettest. 2021 totaled 12.79 inches of monsoon rainfall; the wettest monsoon totaled 13.84 inches of rain in 1964. The rainfall for 2020βs monsoon was 1.62 inches.
2021βs July also broke records, becoming the wettest July on record and the wettest month in Tucson, NWS said. A total of 8.06 inches of rain was recorded, beating out August 1955 with 7.93 inches.
Thanks to the stormy weather seen in 2021, drought conditions improved in Pima County. At the start of 2021, most of Pima County was in an βexceptional drought.β Now, Pima County is considered to be βabnormally dry.β
As for the last month in 2021, Tucson saw warmer temperatures than usual. December 2021 ranked third in the top 10 warmest Decembers, averaging 57.2 degrees, NWS said. The warmest December was in 1980 with an average temperature of 58.1 degrees.
December 2021 also tied for first place for the warmest December high on record. Dec. 1 had a high of 85 degrees, NWS said.
Tucson rang in the new year with rainy weather. The NWS said the Tucson International Airport recorded 0.74 inches of rain over Dec 31 and Jan. 1.
A brilliant rainbow arcs over the downtown Tucson skyline on New Year's Eve.
2022 got off to a cold start in Tucson with a subfreezing temperature warning. NWS sent out a hard freeze warning for Tucson on Jan. 1. The airport recorded a low of 31 degrees. In the Tanque Verde area on the far east side, a low of 26 degrees was recorded.
Temperatures are expected to warm up this week. NWS predicts that Tucson will see highs in the 60s this week and possibly reaching the 70s on Thursday and Friday.
For the rest of January, NWS predicts it will follow Decemberβs above-average temperatures. Aaron Hardin, a meteorologist at the NWS, said Tucson should expect above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.
Photos: Monsoon 2021
Rillito River after Tropical Storm Nora
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It was clear skies at sunset over the Rillito River, running almost bank-to-bank near its junction at the Santa Cruz River, September 1, 2021, the day after Tropical Storm Nora dumped several hours of rain on Tucson, Ariz.
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Pedestrians walk though the soaked intersection of Congress and 6th as the remnants of tropical storm Nora drops evening rains over Tucson, Ariz., August 31, 2021.
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People fill up sandbags at Hi Corbett Field as clouds roll over in Tucson, Ariz. on August 30, 2021.Β Tropical Storm Nora is expected to bring heavy rain and cause more flooding.
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Elaine Gomez. center, receives help from her sister-in-law, Lucyann Trujillo, right, in filling sandbags near Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz. on August 30, 2021. Gomez lives near 19th Street and Craycroft Road and says the house flooded a couple of weeks ago.Β Tropical Storm Nora is expected to bring heavy rain and cause more flooding.
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People fill up sandbags at Hi Corbett Field as clouds roll over in Tucson, Ariz. on August 30, 2021.Β Tropical Storm Nora is expected to bring heavy rain and cause more flooding.
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An air cargo plane lifts off from Tucson, Ariz., International Airport in front of a monsoon storm boiling up to the southeast in the Huachuca City/Sierra Vista area, August 24, 2021.
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The last of the day's light hits the upper reaches of a monsoon storm cloud over an utility tower east of Tucson, Ariz., August 18, 2021.
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A man and his dog skirt a flooded section of The Loop along the Rillito River near Swan Road following Tuesdayβs monsoon over central Tucson.
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An evening monsoon storm cloud drops a column of rain over central Tucson, Ariz., August 17, 2021.
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A woman wades into the flood waters of the Rillito River just west of Swan Road after an afternoon monsoon storm through the center of town got the washes flowing, Tucson, Ariz., August 17, 2021.
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Monsoon clouds clear as the sun sets near the Santa Catalina Mountains on Aug. 2, 2021.
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A woman climbs out of a Nissan pick-up as firefighters from Northwest Fire District position themselves for a water rescue in the CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash north of Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 10, 2021. Firefighters rescued three people from one of two vehicles in the wash, swollen with runoff after an early-morning downpour dumped nearly two-inches upstream.
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Several bolts strike in the foothills of the southern Rincon Mountains as an intense monsoon cell rolls into Vail, Ariz., July 30, 2021.
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A heavy bolt of lightning hits in the foothills of the southern Rincon Mountains as an intense monsoon cell rolls into Vail, Ariz., July 30, 2021,
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A heavy bolt of lightning hits in the foothills of the southern Rincon Mountains as an intense monsoon cell rolls into Vail on Friday night.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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Lighting strikes southwest of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, from one of several monsoon cells that moved through valley just before sunset.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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Several fingers of lighting strike southwest of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, from one of several monsoon cells that moved through and around the valley just before sunset.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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Lighting hits southwest of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, as several monsoon storms roll over the outskirts of the city just before sunset.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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A bolt of lighting hits in the Santa Catalina foothills in the northwest part of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, as several monsoon storms rolled over the outskirts of town.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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A lighting strikes drops out of a monsoon squall moving just southwest of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, one of several cells that surrounded the city just before sunset.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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A lighting strikes hits in the Saguaro National Park, east of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, one of several storm cells that skirted the city.
Monsoon lightning 2021
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A lighting strikes hits in the Saguaro National Park, east of Tucson, Ariz., July 29, 2021, one of several storm cells that skirted the city.
Monsoon, Sabino Creek
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Tessa Claiborn, 10, jumps in a pool near the bottom of the Sabino dam at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021. After being dry last year, the weekend monsoon storms brought a large flow of water back through the Sabino Creek and over the Sabino Dam.
Monsoon, Sabino Creek
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A gentleman rest on a rock near the bottom of the Sabino dam at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021. After being dry last year, the weekend monsoon storms brought a large flow of water back through the Sabino Creek and over the Sabino Dam.
Monsoon, Sabino Creek
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A hiker walks past an ocotillo with lush green leaves along the Bear Canyon trail at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021. After being dry last year, the weekend monsoon storms brought a large flow of water back through the Sabino Creek and over the Sabino Dam.
Monsoon, Sabino Creek
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A group of saguaro cacti are surrounded by ocotillo and lush green scenery along the Bear Canyon trail with green lush scenery at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021.
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Judy Scharringhausen takes a picture of a patch of greenery along the Bear Canyon trail at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021.
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Hikers walk along the Bear Canyon trail with green lush scenery at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021.
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In 2020, the Sabino Canyon creek was dry for 216 days, the most since 1990. Then we went abruptly to the wettest month in Tucson history in July 2021. Here, a Sabino Canyon visitor, Brad Balla, sits on a rock near the bottom of the Sabino Dam last month.Β Β
Monsoon storm, July, 2021
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The Rillito River rolling along just west of Swan Road after a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021.
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The Santa Cruz River flows Friday morning July 23, 2021 after an overnight monsoon storm passed over in Tucson, Ariz.
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The Rillito River east of 1st Ave. after a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021.
Monsoon storm, July, 2021
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A cyclist photographs the Rillito River from The Loop path east of 1st Ave. a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021.
Monsoon storm, July, 2021
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A truck enters Pima Wash on Rudasill Road after a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021.
Monsoon storm, July, 2021
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A vehicle that was washed downstream in Alamo Wash sits just south of the bridge at Ft. Lowell Road after a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021. Tucson firefighters rescued the woman from the water in a call that began at Sahuara Ave. and Waverly St.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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The flooded Pantano Wash draws crowds of onlookers where it cuts off Harrison Road following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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Terry Shaeffer gets cell phone video of the the waters of Pantano Wash roaring over Harrison Road following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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Steven Walden grabs video of the flooding Pantano Wash near Colossal Cave Road following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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The parking area of the La Cienega Trailhead is flooded out from the nearby Pantano Wash following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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People walk along the Pantano Wash as bank-to-bank water flows by near Colossal Cave Road following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon flooding, July 2021
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A couple of men in a cart cruise along the Pantano Wash paths near the flooded channel near Colossal Cave Road following a night of intense monsoon storms, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2021.
Monsoon storm, July, 2021
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The rolling Rillito River west of Swan Road after a powerful storm with heavy rain over the Tucson area early Friday, July 23, 2021.
Possible water rescue
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A Tucson firefighter keeps an eye on the Alamo Wash behind Park Place after callers reported child was in the wash on July 22nd, 2021. There was no child in the wash but TFD watched the wash as a precaution.
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A full and rapid Alamo Wash behind Park Place Mall in Tucson, Ariz. on July 22nd, 2021.
Sandbag
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Julia Andres, left, and her husband David Andres fill sand bags for their home at Hi Corbett Field parking lot in Tucson, Ariz. on July 22nd, 2021. The City of Tucson is offering free self-serve sand bags at numerous vacations through out Tucson. There is a ten bag limit per vehicle. Sand bags and sand are provided but residents will need to bring their own shovel.
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Residents fill sand bags at Hi Corbett Field parking lot in Tucson, Ariz. on July 22nd, 2021. The City of Tucson is offering free self-serve sand bags at numerous vacations through out Tucson. There is a ten bag limit per vehicle. Sand bags and sand are provided but residents will need to bring their own shovel.
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A bolt of lightning illuminates a column of rain drenching midtown, part of a powerful monsoon cell that dropped rain, winds and hail over parts of Tucson, Ariz., July 20, 2021.
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A bolt of lightning strikes the southeastern part of town as a powerful monsoon cell moves into central Tucson, Ariz., July 20, 2021.
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Lightning hits the southern part of the city as a powerful monsoon cell moves through central Tucson, Ariz., July 20, 2021.
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Lightning and rain fall on the southern parts of the city as a powerful monsoon cell rolls through central Tucson, Ariz., July 20, 2021.
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Cloud-to-cloud lightning rips through the skies over the Santa Catalina Mountains, part of a second monsoon cell that skirted the northern parts of Tucson, Ariz., July 20, 2021.
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From a spot in the Saguaro National Park East, George Lucero gets video of the day's monsoon storms working over the Tanque Verde Valley, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2021. A persistent light rain fell over the eastern reaches of the valley throughout the afternoon
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Monsoon storm clouds filter the sun light as a day of rain, mostly in the eastern parts of the valley, comes to an end, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2021.
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A biker crosses over the flooded Canyon del Oro wash on The Loop bridge where the waters flow into the Santa Cruz River in the aftermath of an early morning monsoon storm that dumped inches of rain on the northwest side, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2021.
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A biker on the Rillito River Park paths pedals next to the muddy waters in the channel as he heads east under the Craycroft Road bridge after an overnight monsoon storm dropped heavy rains on the north and west parts of the valley, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2021.
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The dark muddy water in the Canyon del Oro wash falls over a spillway under I-10 near the confluence with the Santa Cruz River in the aftermath of an early morning monsoon storm that flooded washes and low lying areas, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash flowing with runoff from several monsoon storms flowing onto The Loop bike trail at Magee Road on July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash flowing with runoff from several monsoon storms on July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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The unbridged crossing at Overton Road and the CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash was closed to traffic, but open for photos on July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash flowing with runoff from several monsoon storms as seen from the bridge at La Cholla Blvd. on July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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The unbridged crossed at Overton Road and CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash closed to traffic due to runoff from several monsoon storms on July 14, 2021.
Monsoon 2021, CDO Wash
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A cyclists gingerly proceeds along The Loop bike trail along the CaΓ±ada del Oro Wash flowing as runoff from several monsoon storms overlooks the banks on July 14, 2021.
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A pair of bikers ride under the sunset sky under monsoon clouds along the Rillito River Park paths near Columbus Avenue, Tucson, Ariz., July 13, 2021. The rains bypassed the city for the most part Tuesday following heavy storms the day before.
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Trico Electric Cooperative workers respond to a fallen power pole on W. Marana Rd. in Marana, Ariz. on July 12th, 2021. Areas of Marana lost power due to Monday night's monsoon storm.
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A group of people take photos as water flows in the Rillito River at N. Campbell Ave. in Tucson July 12th, 2021. With at total of 1.63" of rainfall in this years monsoon season has surpassed last years total rainfall, according to the National Weather service.
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Pedestrians negotiate the flooded intersection of Tyndall and University in Maingate Square as heavy rain drops on the area as part of the large monsoon storm that swept through Tucson, Ariz., July 10, 2021.
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A wall of dust dwarfs downtown as a haboob leads a large monsoon storm into the area, Tucson, Ariz., July 10, 2021. In addition to the haboob the storm dropped heavy rain, winds, lightning and dust over the valley.
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A dove fights the winds as the dust forms a haboob and darkens the skies as a large monsoon storm sweeps through the area, Tucson, Ariz., July 10, 2021.
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Dust from a haboob obscures the skyline, the precursor to a large monsoon storm that swept through the area, Tucson, Ariz., July 10, 2021.
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A pedestrian negotiates flooded Euclid Avenue near 2nd Street as heavy rains from a large monsoon storm inundate Tucson, Ariz., July 10, 2021.
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Lightning flashes over the Santa Rita Mountains from one of the scattered monsoon storms surrounding Tucson, Ariz., July 7, 2021.
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Several powerlines blew over on First Ave between River Road and Wetmore Road due to a monsoon storm with strong winds in Tucson, Ariz. on July 2, 2021.
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A man walks along First Ave. in between Wetmore Road and River Road looking at the water flowing in the Rillito River due to a monsoon storm that passed through Tucson, Ariz. on July 2, 2021.
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A man walks past a powerline that fell over on First Ave. between Wetmore Road and River Road due to a monsoon storm that passed through Tucson, Ariz. on July 2, 2021.
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The Rillito River flows near First Ave and Wetmore Road after a monsoon storm passed over the area in Tucson, Ariz. on July 2, 2021.
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Two men walk up to the scene where a monsoon storm with strong winds knocked over several powerlines on First ave between Wetmore Road and River Road in Tucson, Ariz. on July 2, 2021.
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A downed tree lays over gravestones at Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, 3015 N Oracle Road in Tucson, Ariz., on July 1, 2021. According to Cathy Fiorelli, general manager, a microburst passed through the area on Wednesday afternoon at 2:15p.m. knocking down 35 trees. She says no burials are disturbed.
Monsoon 2021
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The sun sets behind monsoon clouds and rain to the west of Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson, Ariz., July 1, 2021.
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Traffic splashes through the run-off on Ina Road near Pima Canyon Drive during localized monsoon downpour, Tucson, Ariz., July 1, 2021.
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As a monsoon storm builds behind them, Jacob Runyan, left, and Michele Bayze watch the clouds and rain roll over the valley in front of them from a boulder at Windy Point in the Santa Catalinas, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2021.
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Rains rolls down the Tanque Verde Valley behind an agave bloom in the Santa Catalinas, part of a monsoon storm trickling into the valley, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2021.
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A couple watch as a monsoon storm begins to drop rain in the eastern reaches of the Santa Catalinas from a lookout near Windy Point, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2021.
