Yesterday was the first day after 11 consecutive days with temperatures of 110F or more when the high reached only 109F. This coincided with an increase in humidity and thunderstorms, the usual indicators of the arrival of our monsoon. This fire in the southwestern Phoenix area on the Gila River Indian Reservation was sparked by lightning at about 16:30. Even though at the time this picture was taken (yesterday around 17:15) it was only about 100 acres in size, the smoke plume is several thounsand feet high. The mountains on the right are the Sierra Estrellas (up to over 4,000-ft high). On the left is some of the cumulus build-up southeast of Phoenix that is associated with the monsoon. The fire is still being fought today and the pollution from the burning Salt Cedar spread across the entire city. During the night the wind changed and now the entire area west of the city, including the White Tank Mountains, are also in smoke haze. Not a good day for air quality. This picture was taken on 25 June 2008. Thank you for viewing and commenting on my recent uploads. I will catch up on commenting soon, Sig....