Uncertainty loomed over the day after promised rain failed to show in the morning.

However, by 2pm rain started to drizzle and grew heavier and heavier by late afternoon.

At 6pm the rain was so heavy that motorists were forced to slow down and even pull over on the Barton Highway.

This morning, residents in Crookwell recorded rainfall of 21.5 millimeters by Gary Winterbottom on Crown Street, 22.4mm by Chris Croker near Taralga, and 11mm by Bernadette Heffernan at Kingsdale.

Yesterday residents were reporting rainfall of around 20mm at Gunning, Redground and Grabben Gullen before the rain stopped falling.

Agents aren't holding their breath for the rain to boost buyer numbers at South Eastern Livestock Exchange (SELX) in Yass this week.

"I don't think it will make a difference," Elders agent Philip White of Yass said.

"We're very late in the season to be getting rain. We need follow-up rain before we see much change," he said.

Livestock numbers could lower at this week's sales, with some farmers holding on to see if the rain helps their pastures, but many will continue to destock, Mr White said.

Phill Butt of Butt Livestock and Property in Yass said areas such as Forbes, Cowra and Dubbo - where buyers who would normally chase lambs at SELX from - didn't get enough rain.

"There's been minimal rain in areas that would buy," he said.

"Yesterday's rain won't do much without follow-up."