Rain happens. It rains all over the world. But only a handful of places experience both monsoons and haboobs—those massive dust storms that can turn the middle of the afternoon into something that looks like the end of the world.

And in the United States, there’s only one state famous for having both.

Welcome to Arizona.

Every year, from June through September, we officially celebrate monsoon season. In reality, though, July and August are when Mother Nature really rolls up her sleeves. Those are the months when we hope enough rain falls to help replenish our ever-dwindling water supply.

Of course, she rarely gives us rain without a little drama.

The same weather system that blesses us with much-needed moisture also brings powerful winds capable of toppling trees, ripping apart patio umbrellas, and sending lawn furniture on an unexpected tour of the neighborhood. More than once, neighbors have called to say, “I think your gazebo is in my backyard.”

That’s just life in Arizona.

The damage from these storms costs homeowners and the state millions of dollars every year. And then there are the health concerns. Dust storms stir up fungal spores that live naturally in our desert soil. Breathing them in can cause Valley Fever, a serious illness that ranges from flu-like symptoms to life-threatening complications for some people.

So, while the rain is welcome, the dust certainly isn’t.

During a good monsoon, the streets can quickly become rushing rivers. Believe it or not, some adventurous souls actually pull out their boogie boards or skimboards and ride the flowing water. I don’t recommend it, but every year someone decides it’s the perfect opportunity for a little urban surfing.

Then there are the floating trash cans, fallen tree limbs, and all the other surprises that appear after a storm.

My favorite part, though?

My youngest daughter.

She’s 43 years old, and every single time it rains, she’s still that little girl who can’t wait to run outside and dance in it. Some things never change, and I’m glad they don’t.

This week has been full of both rain and dust storms. Usually, the rain comes at night. You’d think it would wash everything clean, but that’s not how it works here. Instead, the rain mixes with the desert dust and leaves behind little muddy globs plastered all over our cars and golf carts.

By morning, they’re covered in what looks like someone threw handfuls of wet clay at them.

I could wash my car.

But why?

It’s probably going to rain again tonight and leave a whole new collection of desert artwork.

Today has been different, though. It’s been raining all morning. The sky is still packed with thick gray clouds that seem to be whispering, “Don’t get too comfortable.”

We’re supposed to go out later this afternoon, so I’m hoping Mother Nature decides she’s finished with us for a few hours.

Then again, hope doesn’t always work in Arizona.

Dust storms have minds of their own. They usually show up in the late afternoon—right about the time everyone is heading home from work. One minute the sky is blue. The next minute, a towering wall of dust is racing across the desert toward the freeway.

Arizona has a safety campaign that says, “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” It’s excellent advice. If you don’t absolutely have to drive during a dust storm, don’t.

If you’re caught in one, pull completely off the roadway, stop, and wait until it passes.

The official guidance also says to turn off your lights once you’re safely off the road so other drivers don’t mistake your parked vehicle for one that’s still moving in traffic. Apparently, that helps prevent people from following your taillights off the roadway.

Living in Arizona means learning to expect the unexpected. We complain about the heat, pray for the rain, grumble about the dust, clean the mud off our cars, chase patio furniture across the neighborhood, and then sit on the porch watching lightning dance across the desert sky.

And somehow, after all these years, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you have a weather dilemma where you live?

Eydie

Photo by mcmaiden on Instagram.