During the summer the Grand Canyon experiences rain storms called monsoons. Heating over the Southwestern deserts draws moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. Days will often start clear, but by the afternoon clouds build creating thunderheads. Rain from these storms often evaporates before it can reach the ground. The thunderstorms can also produce localized intense downpours which can cause flash floods. Lightning from these powerful storms are beautiful but also dangerous and can ignite forest fires. This lightning photo at Mather Point was captured during one of the monsoons.

Photo by G.Brush.