Could More Rain Be In Our Future

Weather is always an easy talking point. If it's not about the heat, the other weather topic up for discussion lately has been the lack of rain. But could we be nearing the end of hot and dry conditions?  Some data points to yes! Take a look at the National Weather Service's "Climate Prediction Center" for the Precipitation Outlook:

It shows the probability for above normal precip in their six to ten day outlook, starting on August 19th. That forecast includes much of the nation, including here in southern Wisconsin. We're pinned with a forty percent probability for above normal rainfall. Did you know each day features, on average, about .13" of rain during August. But, we have only picked up .34" so for this month. And that's been a long standing trend this season and even going back into Spring!

Take a look at the rain deficit per month in Milwaukee:

So we have a ways to go to cut our rain deficit, but we've got a few chances in the forecast. The first chance comes this week Wednesday as a cold front swings across the state. Then, a more potent system could bring soggy conditions for Friday and Saturday, the 19th and 20th. As you've seen, one good storm system could drop rainfall in the inches. Let's keep our fingers crossed we can get back on track this month, by the time we get to the end of next weekend.

I'm meteorologist Rebecca Schuld