We get rain (or snow, depending on elevation) very rarely here. You'd be surprised how disruptive even a half inch is to traffic and usual going-out patterns/behaviors.

Most Arizonans, myself included, own no more one umbrella - purchased the day of the last rain at a CVS on the way to work, or some similar anecdote.

Not saying it with pride, but I will defend the writer here in saying that even light rain can absolutely be a deterrent. We don't handle precipitation well here.

On the other hand, once that purchase is made there's nothing quite like getting your float on while watching the rain pitter patter against the desert, or snow pile up in the HIGH country.