Lightning monsoon thunderstorm passing over the lush Arizona Sonoran desert with giant saguaro cactus. The Sonoran Desert is the hottest and most bio-diverse of the North American deserts. Sonoran Desert receives more rainfall than any other desert – it receives approximately 10 inches a year on average. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the eastern part of the Sonora Desert – the Baja area – receives 10 to 12 inches. Photo: © James "Bo" Insogna