A Stunning Video of Arizona Monsoon Thunderstorms

Rarely does one see a weather video so stunning, so poetic, with music and imagery so in sync, and that vividly communicates the beauty and grandeur of the atmosphere
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But this week I was privileged to view such a video of southwest U.S. thunderstorms that was created by Mike Olbinski. 

The Southwest  (or North American) monsoon is associated with often spectacular thunderstorms over Arizona and the interior US Southwest during summer (roughly late June to August).   The large scale circulation pattern that produces the monsoon has high pressure over the Gulf of Mexico and moist southerly flow moving northward out of western Mexico (see graphic below produced by the Arizona cooperative extension).

 Monsoon thunderstorms are not only vigorous, often with intense and substantial rainfall, but tend to be high based, allowing a good view of rain shafts and dust storms below the main cumulonimbus cloud. 

Yes, dust storms.  Strong outflow winds can be produced by descending air from the thunderstorm that hits the surface and spreads out (see figure).  The air accelerates downward due to the downward drag of the falling precipitation and the evaporative cooling of precipitation in the dry air below.  Cool air is more dense, resulting in downward acceleration.  These winds can raise sand and dust, creating dust storms that are often called haboobs.   The strong winds moving out of thunderstorms can also be very dangerous for landing and departing aircraft.

OK, back to the video.  In it will see many examples of precipitation falling out of thunderstorms, lots of lightning, and stunning dust storms.  Click on the link below, and be prepared to be moved.  Mike Olbinski is a poet videographer.

Monsoon V (4K) from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.

And if you like this one, there are four earlier Monsoon video and a wonderful one called vorticity.