Monsoon

Monsoon: A seasonal prevailing wind from the southwest between May and September bringing rain.
Lightning: The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder.
Thunder: A loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash due to the expansion of rapidly heated air.
The Monsoons seem to be behind us for now. Yet the talk about them still lingers on. We may discuss the many reasons why we should be thankful for them. If I join in on that talk, I think they bring the incredible rain we so desperately need. It’s amazing how green everything is so quickly after. I see people quickly joining together to pick up debris, sweep up muddy sand and even get power blowers and other tools out to help their neighbor and neighborhood be safe.
Then there are the myths about the storms. One of the biggest myths is which comes first the thunder or the lightning. It can be very confusing. Although facts say that thunder and lightning actually happen simultaneously. We just see the lightning first because it travels faster than thunder. We may even count after the thunder to wait for what we think is the first strike. Then sometimes there is no time to count at all. We also have although true facts, but silly myths. I am sure you heard the one ‘rubber tires on a car protect you from the lightning insulating you from the ground.” Well the fact is, cars are safe from lightning, but it’s actually the roof and metal sides that protect you. Clearly we all know that convertibles, motorcycles and cars with fiberglass shells are not protected. The lightning goes through the metal frame into the ground. You aren’t supposed to lean on doors during a thunderstorm. I think this next myth is a little funny and I actually have heard people say this. Apparently there are some who think if lightning strikes someone you shouldn’t touch them. You might get electrified. That is definitely a myth. The fact is the human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim and give them First Aid and call 911.
The force of nature that those storms bring is truly astonishing. The summer thunderstorms can be a theater of great delight. You don’t want to get too close because the lightning can make your hair stand on end. We may love watching and listening and it can be calming too many. Then there are those who don’t like it at all and it can be worrisome. Some of us may look at it as the hand of God throwing a crackling sword of power as a wake up call. For me I take it all in and enjoy the fascinating and sometimes angry ways of mother nature.
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