Southwest monsoon finally arrives, with a chaotic mix of dust and rain

(NYT) — Moisture-laden air spreading across the Southwest in recent days has brought much-needed rain to drought-ridden areas, while also unleashing thunderstorms, dust storms, strong winds and flooding. This seasonal weather pattern, known as the monsoon, has led to some spectacular — albeit disruptive and even dangerous — weather.

In the Nevada desert, winds toppled tents and briefly shut down the entry gates to the Burning Man festival this weekend. In Phoenix on Monday, a wall of dust moved through the city and grounded flights at the airport. By Wednesday, waterfalls at Yosemite National Park that are typically dry at this time of year had started flowing.

The monsoon affects the West every summer, though its du

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