Each and every year, from July to September, a season referred to as monsoon descends on Grand Canyon West, creating spectacular thunder and lightning storms that have delighted travelers for years. Obviously, there's risks associated with lightning. Nonetheless, if you follow a few precautions, you'll safely experience one of the planet's best natural "fireworks shows."

The word "monsoon" is Arabic for "a season." It was first used to explain the winds over the Arabian Sea that blow southwest for half a year then switch direction and blow northeast for the other half. Europe, Africa, and the western coasts of Chile and the U.S. go through a monsoon season.

The monsoon that comes to Arizona is nothing like the one that drenches India, for example (In fact, Arizona's is rather marginal, dropping an average of 2.45 inches of rain in 3 months), and is the result of cool air from the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico meeting the hot air of the desert to make thunderstorms. The monsoon officially starts once the average daily dew point is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

It is essential for travelers to the West Rim to keep in mind about thunderstorms is lightning, and the rule of thumb is this: If you can hear thunder, lightning is nearby. Below are a few tips should you get stuck in storm:

1. If a thunderstorm is in the area, stay inside or get inside a vehicle (not a convertible).

2. Do not use cellular phones

3. If you are outdoors, avoid isolated trees or utility poles. Don't stand on open hilltops. Seek shelter under a thick growth of small trees.

4. Get off or away from open water. If you're in a group in the open, stay several yards apart from each other.

During thunderstorms, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge will be closed to the general public up until the storm passes. Skywalk management will also close the attraction if lightning is sighted in a two-mile radius.

Flash floods are a standard feature of monsoon thunderstorms. Should you drive to the West Rim, bear in mind that the last 10 miles to the Park entrance is dirt road. If you are caught in fast-moving water, get out and find higher ground. Same is true if your vehicle stalls in a wash. Hikers are also urged to go to higher ground if they are in gullies or canyons during a thunderstorm.

Normal monsoon-related thunderstorms are powerful but quick, and do not result in trip cancellations or rescheduling (this is applicable to coach, heli, and rafting tours). A lot of people find this to be among the best times to go to West Rim. The temperatures cool off. The horizon is filled with thunderheads. Lightning puts on a natural light show. Most unique is the fresh sage and creosote odor of the Mojave Desert following a good downpour.

Your odds of getting physically impacted by monsoon storms are slight. Every year in Arizona, flooding results in up to three casualties and lightning up to two. Remember, the monsoon is the weakest in Northern Arizona. Most of these incidents take place from Phoenix down to the border of Mexico. However, you still need to take precautions, and, by doing so, you will have a wonderful Grand Canyon West Rim experience.