High-based storms spilled over the Rincons and into the Tucson metro area after 5:30 pm last evening. The storms produced considerable winds and dust, as well as light rains in the eastern portions of the Pima County ALERT network. There was rainfall measured at 36 of the 93 ALERT sites (almost 40% areal coverage); more than I expected. However, TUS, DMA, Atmo and here only got spits and sprinkles and a Trace. Two ALERT sites in the northeast Catalina foothills had just over half an inch. I saw that Douglas also had just over half an inch also. Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph were common (Atmo roof 62 mph, Mt. Hopkins 55 mph, and Nogales 52 mph), and I estimate gusts of around 40 mph here at the house. The photo above taken looking northeast around 5:30 pm MST shows dust cloud coming down the Rillito wash.
Since skies in the west remained clear and most of the rain stayed east, large parts of the metro area were treated to a riot of rainbows. Above shot shows north end of a complete, double rainbow that was quite spectacular.
Finally, middle cloud and some sprinkles at sunrise this morning (Thursday August 25th) provided a vivid sunrise that went gradually from purple to red to orange to yellow. View above is from the Computer science webcam looking north to the Catalinas.
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