Stormy Weather - Maybe

Storm clouds gather north of Phoenix

It's been happening every afternoon - scattered white clouds that have been hanging around all day begin to drift together and form massive storm clouds, also known as thunderheads.

These clouds have been a godsend lately, heralding the long-awaited drop in temperature Phoenix residents have been waiting for. They are accompanied by higher humidity and, while they can look quite threatening when they transition from fluffy white to deep gray, these clouds don't always live up to their promise of rain.

If it does rain, you may be able to see it (or hear it) a short distance away without a drop falling where you are.  Or, it will appear that the storm is heading your way - then the winds change and you are left high and dry.

Sometimes the clouds threaten, then break up and leave a clear sky. But at other times, the worth-waiting-for times, the clouds cover the sky in darkness and unleash their mighty thunder and lightning. The air is cool and fresh and soon the wind picks up and the downpour begins.

After drenching everything in its path the storm eventually moves on, leaving behind the sweet and lingering smell of desert rain.