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Forecasters predict monsoon could have later start this year

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TUCSON, Ariz. - Forecasters and meteorologists are predicting the monsoon may have a later start this year when compared to previous years.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Tucson identified two main reasons behind the delay. The first, the large amount of snowpack. The second reason had everything to do with the cooler than normal temperatures we had during the winter.

On average, we have had most of our monsoons begin on either end of July 4, according to the National Weather Service.

Last year, the monsoon began on July 7.

Despite June 15 being dubbed as the start of monsoon, meteorologists with the National Weather Service say they call it once there is a change in wind direction or the westerly flow begins.

The lastest start meteorologists at the National Weather Service say they've seen was the third week of July. The earliest start was on June 17.