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TUCSON - News 4's Jimmy Stewart says this years moderate El Nino is the reason for the more than average rain fall.

"So far this year we've had four and a half inches that's almost twice as much as we would normally get during this period," said Stewart.

Local rancher Mel Potter said he's noticed the desert is a lot greener, and thanks to mother nature his fields of alfalfa and hay are benefiting from all the rain.

"Its all been growing real well with this rain we haven't had to irrigate which saves the farmers a lot of money," said Potter.

Local greenhouses also agree the wet weather has been helpful when it comes to maintaining their flowers.

"For peoples gardens its been wonderful the only thing is when you get a lot of rain you get lots of weeds so everyones out there pulling weeds right now," said Phil Cedar.

According to Jimmy Stewart those weeds and other forms of vegetation eventually dry up creating a potential for wildfires.

"Its good that we've had the rain it cuts down on wildfires as its going on, but after all that additional vegetation grows and dries out then it could actually be worse," said Stewart.