The North American Monsoon is in full swing with daily thunderstorms — all presenting opportunities for photography. I finally got a chance to photograph some twilight lightning while looking out over the Painted Desert from — where else — the Painted Desert Overlook between Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument.

Shortly after these images were taken rain began to fall and I called it an evening. The drive back home was slow and difficult in the torrential downpour that was constantly interrupted by brilliant flashes of lightning. It was one of the most active nights of lightning in the Flagstaff area of the season. And it did rain hard! One automated raingage reported over 4 ½ inches in two hours.