Tourists, locals react to unusual May weather

As the saying goes April showers bring May flowers — but what about a storm in May?

Here in the desert, any chance of rain is welcome.

Tom and Joy Baker have been coming to Palm Springs in May for years.

“We came here for the heat and we’re not getting it. Where is it?” Tom Baker asked.

They said they weren’t expecting this unusual weather.

“It’s very different than what I’m used to. Usually it’s about a 100 here,” Tom Baker said.

While tourists get more use from their umbrellas as shade on Thursday, everyone agrees the rain is needed.

“We do a lot of hiking and we see the desperate need for rain and it’s just a sad situation to have a four year drought, said Michael Sloate, a visitor from Seattle.

Residents understand more than anyone the need for a storm.

“Of course everyone knows we need it because of the drought. Who knows if it’s going to make much of an impact, but it’s nice to have it,” Mark Lopez said.

With the anticipated precipitation, it’s important to remember to turn off your sprinklers.

“We’re in a water shortage right now, so you have to turn your sprinklers off when it rains and they tell you to turn your fountains off,” retired florist Garry Mattson said.

And even though they have to leave before the sun comes out, the Bakers know the clouds are a welcome sight.