Monsoon season is in full swing, and Durango has been consistently greeted by rain in the evenings, with lightning and thunderstorms that drift across the horizon into the night.
The North American monsoon season, known as the Southwest, Mexican, New Mexican or Arizona monsoon, is a seasonal increase in thunderstorms and rainfall across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Storms are generated by daytime heat, build during the late afternoon and early evening and usually dissipate late at night, which results in clear mornings to start the cycle again each day.
The monsoon typically ends in mid-September as conditions become drier and temperatures drop.
Durango residents are encouraged to check the weather forecast before planning activities outdoors. Weather in mountainous areas, such as the San Juan Mountains north of Durango, is often unpredictable and thunderstorms can arrive almost without warning. To avoid being struck by lightning, people should be at lower elevations and away from high points, like mountain peaks, during the afternoon. Although monsoon rains are usually short-lived, it’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket and a map or compass when traveling outdoors for extended periods.
Davis Phinney Parkinson’s Victory Summit, 9 a.m., Fort Lewis College, Student Union, Ballroom, 1000 Rim Drive, 247-7010.
Indivisible Durango general membership meeting, 10 a.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave., 375-3380.
Dark Sky Program by Powerhouse Science Center, 8-10 p.m., Mancos High School, football field, 355 Grand Ave., Mancos, 259-9234.
Third annual Animas Splash and Dash, 9 a.m., $1-$50, Durango High School, practice field, 2390 Main Ave., www.durangorunningclub.org/events/animas-splash-dash.
Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra Concert: Legends, 5:30 p.m., $46-$56, Community Concert Hall, Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, www.musicinthemountains.com.
