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| Prickly Pear with Fruit |
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.
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| Saguaro |
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| Ocotillo | |
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.
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| Rainwater Harvesting |
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| Record 1.37" Rainfall |
The high rainfall produced more blossoms on many of our
cactus. Traditionally, except for the barrel cactus, most other species only bloom in the spring.
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| Barrel Cactus |
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| Jumping Cholla Cactus |
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| Staghorn Cholla |
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| Pincushion Cactus | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Harris Hawk |
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