July 2012 was cool and wet in Tucson, AZ. For only the second time in the last 14
months that I have been recording data, the average high temperature was below
normal. The average high temperature was 97.3°F (23.4°C), which was -2.4°F
(-1.3°C) below normal. The average low temperature was close to normal at 74.2°F
(23.4°C) with the normal reading of 74.4°F (23.6°C). There were 10 days over 100°F
(38.8°C) which is 8 less days than normal.
The much-needed rainfall contributed to the cooler temperatures. The official
rainfall at the airport was 4.13” (104.90 mm). At my location I recorded 4.03”
(102.36 mm). There were two days where we received 1.39” (35.31 mm) and 1.37”
(34.80 mm) in a few hours. The arrival of the summer monsoon season inspired us to
start doing rainwater harvesting at our house. At this point we only have a few
strategically placed trashcans to collect water off of the roof. We hope to install
some large tanks and pumps soon to be able to take care of our watering needs for
our small vegetable garden. Stay tuned for more pictures of our rainwater
harvesting system as it develops.
The high rainfall produced more blossoms on many of our cactus. Traditionally,
except for the barrel cactus, most species only bloom in the spring.
