The wettest desert in the world is also the hottest place in America, making the Sonoran desert – which spans over the USA and Mexico – home to one of the most unique ecosystems.
Due to its unique position across Arizona and California as well as Baja California and Sonora in Mexico, the Sonoran has two rainy seasons which makes it unlike most other deserts which only have one, like the neighbouring Mojave Desert.
Rainfall varies hugely across the region from December to March, and July to September. Areas near the Colorado River could see less than 3 inches per year, while mountainous areas like the Santa Catalina Mountains may see up to 15 inches.
The combination of 40-degree heat with record levels of rain makes this desert rich in wildlife, vegetation and stunning weather phenomena, like 10,000-foot-high sand storms.
The summer monsoons can also cause shocking thunderstorms, lightning and flash floods caused by winds bringing moist air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico.
Its lush climate makes it the only place in the world where the desert’s iconic cacti – the saguaro cactus – is able to naturally grow. It can tower up to 50 feet, and live for over 200 years.
Far from a barren wasteland, the Sonoran is home to at least 60 species of mammals, over 350 species of birds, 20 amphibian species, over 100 reptile species, and about 30 species of native fish, according to the National Park Service.
One of the most intriguing animals to live here is one of only two venomous lizards in the world, aptly named the Gila monster.
Another phenomenon which makes this desert unique is its haboobs: thundering sand storms which create a massive wall of dust.
One of the most memorable happened in July 2011, and stretched for an epic 100 miles.
