Remnants of Irma won't help dry pattern in Wisconsin

Since the heavy rain event on July 12th that caused flash flooding to parts of the viewing area, Mother Nature has kept the region very dry. It is starting to become more and more noticeable as dry conditions have hampered the area.

Since July 22nd, Mitchell International Airport has only picked up 2.07” of rainfall. Average during that span is 6.25” of rain, a departure of 4.18”! The last 52 days, we are FOUR inches of rain below normal.

If you look at the numbers of last year during that same span, the rain gauge situation could have been similar if it wasn’t for three specific days:

July 23rd - 0.85”

August 30th - 2.09”

September 7th - 1.56”

If those three days don’t happen, that brings the area down to 1.75” of rainfall – 0.34” below what we saw this year during that stretch. High pressure has been leading the way on several long-term forecasts the last 52 days. This gives way to sunshine and blocks major weather systems that produce rain and storms. If you noticed, during the 52 days of drier weather, the severe weather has tapered off compared to May and June.

Here’s some good news if you want a change in the pattern; the Climate Prediction Center has an above average chance for normal to above normal rainfall for the next 8-14 days. This would be a welcome sign for a region that needs rain.  However, with high pressure still in control, Irma will have minimal impact on Wisconsin with only clouds and SLIG

HT chances of an isolated shower, mainly south.

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