WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Meteorologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are closely monitoring conditions in the Southwest as monsoon season approaches, bringing the potential for both wildfire concerns and much-needed drought relief.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the region could begin to see signs of increased moisture within the next week as seasonal weather patterns shift.
“It does look like about a week from now, we could see maybe the first sign of that higher humidity moving into the Southwest, often accompanied by scattered showers,” Rippey said.
However, Rippey cautioned that the early stages of the monsoon season can increase wildfire risk before meaningful rainfall arrives.
“There is a transition period when the monsoon begins. The humidity comes in, but not necessarily the rain at first,” he explained. “Sometimes we get those dry lightning strikes that can actually start new fires. So we will be watching carefully as we approach the end of June for increasing moisture that eventually should translate into drought-easing rainfall and wildfire-suppressing rainfall.”
Wildfires have remained a major concern across parts of the Southwest this year, making the timing and effectiveness of the monsoon season especially important for ranchers, farmers, and rural communities.
