Monsoon Cells Drop Quarter-Inch of Rain Across Phoenix

Monsoon thunderstorms developed across the Phoenix metropolitan area on Wednesday evening, producing brief downpours, lightning and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service. The agency reported isolated cells forming first in the northern and eastern parts of the Valley before spreading toward central neighborhoods. Rain gauges from the Maricopa County Flood Control District showed localized totals of up to 0.25 inch, including 0.24 inch near Grand Avenue and similar amounts in Cave Creek and the Sonoran Foothills. Most locations received less than two-tenths of an inch. Outflow winds also pushed smoke from the Billy wildfire into parts of the metro area, briefly reducing visibility. Forecasters said additional spotty showers remain possible overnight but do not expect significant flooding.