Early morning commuters wake up to rain in Phoenix area

PHOENIX – The shortened work week for many in metro Phoenix officially started Tuesday with a splattering of rain from predawn skies during their commute.

Some areas got light precipitation while others got hit a bit harder. All of it ended a 24-day dry streak.

The National Weather Service had predicted a chance for rain on the day that was likely to end by early afternoon. But the potential for hourslong rain didn’t mean a lot would fall.

Measurements from the Flood Control District of Maricopa County showed neighborhoods south of South Mountain with 0.16 inches at 8 a.m. but lots of 0.04 and 0.08 totals in every other part of the Valley by 8 a.m.

(Flood Control District of Maricopa County/Screenshot)

The gauge at Sky Harbor Airport had recorded 0.03 inches at around 5 a.m.

6AM radar shows heaviest showers moving into SE Valley while tapering off in the West Valley. #azwx pic.twitter.com/SnpQuYTDxt

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 21, 2020

OUR TRAFFIC SIGN SAYS IT BEST: "Rain, wet roads. Slow down, drive with care." #phxtraffic #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/dpqC04Zwuq

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 21, 2020

There have only been three rain-free Januarys: 1948, 2006 and 2012, the weather bureau said.

December was a wet month for the area, with 1.31 of precipitation recorded.

The Valley finished 2019 with the most rain since 2010, at 9.80 inches.

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