Submitting Campus

Prescott

Department

Applied Aviation Sciences

Document Type

Article

Publication/Presentation Date

Spring 4-25-2024

Abstract/Description

The North American Monsoon (NAM) is a seasonal shift in pressure and wind which accounts for over half of the southwest’s annual precipitation. North-central Arizona has variable terrain which influences the location and intensity of convective storms. Severe weather such as strong winds, lightning, and hail can cause loss of life, property, and fires. High spatial and temporal resolution data along with reanalysis data is used to identify convective cells and their motion for the 2015 to 2022 NAM seasons. The heaviest precipitation in north-central Arizona is found over the Bradshaw Mountains and is most active in July and August. Mountainous regions have their average precipitation maximum in the early afternoon, whereas valleys have their maximum in the evening. Over north-central Arizona, the average storm motion is from the southwest, consistent with the 500-hPa wind direction. Monsoon precipitation differs from winter precipitation as NAM convection forms over the peaks of mountains and propagates down the lee side.

Publication Title

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Thesis

Publisher

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Share

COinS