The North American Monsoon becomes active due to a pattern shift that impacts a large part of the United States and Mexico. After a ridge of high pressure becomes established, winds turn more southerly, allowing moisture from the Pacific, Gulf of California and Gulf of America to converge. The increased chances of rainfall provide communities from southeast California through Arizona, New Mexico and southwest Colorado with much of their annual precipitation. The pattern generally runs from around June 15 to September 30 but can vary depending on whether an El Niño, La Niña or neutral climate pattern is underway.
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