[ultrarunner]

My understanding is that monsoonal patterns are a result of seasonal heat causing a rising air column, which is then replaced by wetter air from over (relatively) nearby oceans. Wikipedia says that's no longer the preferred understanding, but then goes on to describe exactly what I said, so consult your local meteorologist. At any rate, "Monsoon" is a commonly used word in Phoenix understood to mean seasonal rain storms. This is in contrast to just "rain" which is not necessarily monsoonal in nature. We do get rain in the winter, occasionally, but it is not the monsoon.