The Phoenix Metro area in the Southwest region survived it's second Haboob in July. For those who may not be familiar this is a phenomenon of warm temperatures and wind direction change usually coming from the south east. A huge dust storm may start because of a micro-burst in the sandy and dusty desert. The dirt is pushed and carried in what can be a mile-high cloud toward the west, usually, where it will cover miles and miles of land. The winds can be fierce, felling trees and electrical poles, bringing in dense dirt blows that darken the sky sometimes forcing the street lights to glow during the daylight. To the southwest gardener this can be a challenging event. Winds will blow over pots, trees, umbrellas, small structures. The clean up can be daunting and definitely requires a hosing down of everything outdoors. This is the Monsoon season lasting from approximately June into September and we live with it. Some of us even embrace it, it's so unique.
