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Monsoon Season Missing in Paradise Valley? The Cause and Effects by SERVPRO
10/2/2020 (Permalink)
Monsoon season caused drought conditions in 82% of Arizona including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix. SERVPRO says to be wary of storm damage.
The monsoon has been generally inactive so far this year, which has led to an expansion of drought and record heat in the region. August 2020 took the title for the hottest month on record in Phoenix since tracking temperatures began in 1896 beating out July, which is typically a hotter month than August in Arizona. The average temperature in August was 99.1 degrees with the highest temperature reaching 110.7 degrees. As of September 27th, this year had the second most days at or over 100 degrees in Phoenix and was the fifth hottest year on record so far. The lack of precipitation has resulted in growing and worsening drought. As of August 4th, 82% of Arizona state is experiencing drought conditions. July and August are typically the wettest time of year for much of Arizona so it can be worrisome to see dry conditions at this time of year. Additionally, Arizona receives over half of their annual precipitation from the monsoon season, so when the monsoon is a no-show it can really impact reservoir replenishment, vegetation, and wildfires. Less rain has contributed to these high temperatures and with less water vapor to heat up, the sun’s energy heats up the air instead. The vast areas of concrete and asphalt soak up heat from the sun during the day and radiate it at night, pushing temperatures higher than in other undeveloped areas.
Over the past 30 years, heat has been the cause of more deaths on average than any other natural disaster in the U.S. according to the National Weather Service. This year alone, 55 heat-related deaths have occurred in Maricopa County and 266 are under investigation, according to the Maricopa County Public Health Department data. In 2019, the county saw 197 heat related deaths. These heat waves are no joke and should be taken seriously. Temperatures this hot can be dangerous and result in heat illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat illness include confusion, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, heat rash, and headache. Additional symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, change in sweating, rapid breathing, and a racing heart rate. If these symptoms begin, it is imperative that you practice heat safety and get out of the hotness, stay hydrated, and rest as much as possible. Seek medical help if heat stroke is suspected.
Please also keep in mind that drought conditions increase usage of water, which could lead to unwanted water damages. On top of that, there is potential of leakage from AC units because the system has been running more often and for longer periods of time during these extreme temperatures. We recommend checking and servicing the AC unit regularly as well as checking plumbing fixtures as a proactive measure to avoid any sudden and undesirable water damages. Regardless, SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is here to help you 24/7 and can be reached at (602)-341-6737.
For more information as well as tips to navigate the heat wave, please visit the following links: