I’ve seen several folks wondering about the amount of rain we’ve been getting this season. So, I figured I’d take a closer look since I’m a numbers guy and have access to all of this wonderful data. The internet is such an astounding tool!
It will probably come as no surprise that it’s been a wet spring across our area this year – much wetter than average, anyway. But, this spring hasn’t been THE wettest spring on record here. That would be 2011. So far, this year is in 8th place for the wettest spring on record.
It has been much wetter than average this year, though. So far, we’ve received 11.84 inches of rain at the airport since March first. That puts our season total at almost 2.5 inches more than average so far this year.
I think the fact that we have had at least a trace of rain on 46 out of the previous 82 days has a lot to do with it.
After a dry but gloomy morning, rain chances will increase this afternoon, south to north as a warm front advances into the region. Widespread soaking rain will become likely by late this afternoon and continue overnight into Saturday morning.
Rainfall can be moderate to heavy at times overnight, but other than some localized street flooding, no big flooding issues are likely in our area. Area creeks and streams, as well as the Tuscarawas River, will probably rise over the weekend in response to the amounts we’re expecting to fall.
The heaviest and steadiest rain over the holiday weekend will occur tonight and Saturday. While occasional showers and perhaps a few non-severe thunderstorms will remain in the forecast through Memorial Day, they will be scattered. There will be some dry times, especially on Sunday and Monday.
I think we’ll see rain chances diminish during the second half of the day on Saturday. I can’t rule out a thunderstorm as temperatures warm Saturday afternoon/evening behind the warm front. Sunday and Monday will be better, but a shower or storm will be possible just about anywhere. At least it won’t be a washout.
If you’re one of the many who are tired of the rain, things look more positive in that department after Memorial Day and the first days of June. A warm and dry pattern is forecast by the NWS Climate Prediction Center.
Thanks for checking in on our local weather with our area’s only locally-focused weather information resource. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Be safe out there.
