http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0321rain0321.html

Say adios to rain in Valley at least until monsoon hits

John Faherty The Arizona Republic Mar. 21, 2006 12:00 AM

Be thankful for the rain that fell the past two weekends because we will not see much more for months.

Spring arrived Monday, and in the Valley that historically marks the beginning of an extended dry period. April, May and June are the three driest months of the year here.

Even with the rain and snow we have received in the past 10 days, the Valley remains well below average for the year and significantly behind when you look at how little precipitation has fallen over the past 12 months.

The extended drought could mean a dire fire season and will mean less water in reservoirs.

Since last April, we have received 3.37 inches of rain. An average for that time period would be 8.29 inches.

"When we have normal numbers in Phoenix, we are still a desert," said Tony Haffer, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

"So when we are behind like we are behind here, it means something. It is significant."

The summer monsoon storms that bring rain are more spectacular than substantive. Even though the Valley receives about one-third of its rain during the summer, it does little to add to the state's water supply because much of the rainfall becomes runoff and does not feed reservoirs.

The state is much more reliant on winter precipitation to provide much needed water.

Locally, the rain has been appreciated for simpler reasons.

"It's been nice to get some water on my lawn," said Ron Newman of Phoenix.

"Plus it's good to cool things off so we don't have to rush into those hundreds."

A weather system over the Valley today will bring some low clouds, but rain isn't likely.

"For all intents and purposes, we have seen the end," Haffer said. "We could still see a system or two but nothing significant."

Reporter Shaun McKinnon contributed to this report.