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Satellite photos show Arizona is a lot greener than it was last year

Phoenix has seen 20 days with measurable rainfall since the monsoon season began.

ARIZONA, USA — Photos from NASA proved that monsoon season is helping Arizona's plant life thrive.

The photos, posted by the National Weather Service of Tucson on Twitter, compare Arizona's greenery to this time last year. 

The greenery is so widespread you can see it from space and expect nothing less from areas like South Mountain where normally we're used to seeing basic brown desert landscape but now after a very active monsoon, it's all turned into a lush green landscape that can be seen for miles.

The satellite photos were retweeted by Marvin Percha, Meteorologist for NWS Phoenix who points out the stark contrast in landscape from this year compared to last.

"We've had a quite a monsoon season this year, compared to last year, which was the driest on record," he said.

Many areas stayed ahead of the average rainfall totals, he explained and the results really have people's attention.

"Some of the areas around here and in the higher terrain have seen 10-15 inches in some spots," he added.

The blooms, bushes and outright blast of green is nothing short of gorgeous and even though we need more rain to ease the drought, we'll take the increase compared to 2020.

"Very similar look to often what we see in the spring after a wet winter, when we get all the flowers in the desert and the green-up that's what it looks like out there," Percha said.

In the post, NWS said, "last year was extraordinarily dry, but the green-up this year is still eye-popping!"

And it's a noticeable difference. Pay attention to the middle of the photos.

What a difference from last year! Thanks to the folks at @NWSTucson for posting this! #azwx

Posted by US National Weather Service Phoenix Arizona on Monday, September 6, 2021

Arizona and the West is still drier than normal

Although the state has seen higher levels of rainfall than last year, most of Arizona is in a moderate to severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The Western United States is still grappling with dry conditions.

RELATED: Is Arizona's drought over?

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, California, parts of Oregon and Washington and Nevada are experiencing exceptional droughts.

Strong monsoon season

According to the National Weather Service, the 2021 monsoon season outpaces last year's dry spell by about 11 total inches of rain.

During this year's monsoon season, which runs from Jun. 15th to Sept. 30, Phoenix has experienced 20 days with measurable rain, which is .01 inches or more.

RELATED: Increase in green plants may spell increased fire danger for Arizona 

2021 is the third wettest monsoon season since the National Weather Service began tracking the season in 1895. 

#Phoenix's 20 days of measurable rain so far this monsoon season through 9/5 ranks 2nd and is already tied for 4th for...

Posted by US National Weather Service Phoenix Arizona on Monday, September 6, 2021

Arizona Weather

Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.

Before You Leave, Check This Out