Monsoon season brings the promise of rain for the arid southwestern U.S.

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. — Clouds build up in the early afternoon and gusty winds push in every direction.

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. — Clouds build up in the early afternoon and gusty winds push in every direction. The skies darken and then comes the rain — often a downpour that is gone as quickly as it came.

This seasonal dance choreographed by Mother Nature marks a special time for the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is when residents clasp their hands, hoping for much-needed moisture to dampen the threat of wildfire and keep rivers flowing.

Forecasters say it has been a wet start to this year’s monsoon season, which officially began June 15 and runs through the end of September. Parts of New Mexico and West Texas have been doused with rain, while Arizona and Nevada have been hit with dust storms, which are a common hazard of the season.

In other parts of the world, monsoons often mean months of never-ending rain.

In North America, the season can have considerable variability. The bursts and breaks depend on how much moisture is circulating and which way the wind blows.