Just what do those summer clouds hold in store for us? Ranger Pam Tripp surveys the possibilities…
Summer clouds in and around Joshua Tree National Park gently move in, from the east or west. Sometimes they just stall and gather off in the distance. They cast long graceful shadows on the mountain ranges and valley floors, providing a respite from the hot sun. They can let loose and pour rain in some areas and skip over others. At night, they provide a spectacular light show as they move around us. And at sunrise or sunset, they paint a breath-taking vista with warm hues of reds and oranges. These puffy, white clouds are usually met with different reactions, such as the dread of a jump in humidity that causes most of us to wilt. However, they also have their benefits. They can bring the promise of much needed rainfall for the animals, insects, and birds, and they help to keep our desert green.
SUMMER CLOUDS
