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Staying Safe During Monsoon Season on the Colorado Plateau

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Good morning!

I’m Lacy McKay.

Here’s your daily dose of the KSJD outdoor report…

Late summer is the hottest time of year on the Colorado Plateau—and it’s also monsoon season. That means beautiful skies but also some serious safety risks, like lightning and flash floods.

Monsoon season runs from July through September, and it’s when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely. Always check the forecast—storms can pop up fast, even when the skies look clear.

If you’re hiking or camping, try to finish your adventure early in the day. Avoid parking or camping near streams or washes, and never drive through a flooded road. 

And here’s a key reminder—if you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning. The safest place is indoors or in a hard-top vehicle with the doors and windows shut.

Monsoon season can be breathtaking, but it’s important to stay weather-aware and cautious in canyons or near water.

That’s the KSJD Outdoor Report for today. 

And hey—if you're looking for some safer ways to have fun, head to the Community Calendar on the KSJD app and find something indoors!

Lacy McKay is the News Director and Morning Edition Host at KSJD Community Radio in Cortez, Colorado. They bring years of experience in audio production and community-centered reporting, with a focus on rural issues, public lands, tribal affairs, and civic engagement in the Four Corners region. McKay has produced and edited news features, interviews, and podcasts for broadcast and digital platforms, and works closely with regional partners through Rocky Mountain Community Radio to amplify local voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
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