The May miracle

The South Platte spills over onto a walking path underneath the bridge during a heavy rain storm at Confluence Park in Denver.

(Andy Cross / Denver Post via Getty Images)

July 16, 2015 6:46 PM PT

At sunrise, the effects of California’s ongoing drought are evident at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Heavy rain floods a path at Confluence Park in Denver.

(Andy Cross / Denver Post via Getty Images)

A man stands on a ledge where the Cherry Creek River and the South Platte River meet.

(Andy Cross / Denver Post via Getty Images)

A Larimer County sheriff’s car blocks a road after severe weather caused damage in Berthoud, Colo.

(Lewis Geyer / Associated Press)

Lightning illuminates the sky as a summer storm packing high winds and heavy rains sweeps over downtown Denver.

(David Zalubowski / Associated Press )