Rain is on the Way.

Notice the drought monitor map on the right. Fortunately, our side of the state has seen some improvement since last Fall, but the more western counties are still much too dry. So far, 2012 has started off on the dry side as well and we could all use a good soaking. The good news is that we stand to get a good rain starting Tuesday night and into the day Wednesday as the second map on the right also shows. The QPF map is valid through Saturday morning, and if it verifies, then an inch or more of rain appears to be a good bet for many of us.

Don't misunderstand, this rain event will not be a drought breaker, but will at least provide some badly needed rainfall; particularly for the more eastern and southeastern counties. Unfortunately, the more western counties will be short changed once again, but they should get at least some useful rainfall.

There are still some discrepancies regarding the ultimate track of the upper level storm system that will be providing this wet period. If it moves a little further north or south then the rain shield will shift accordingly. Also, if it moves more slowly than currently anticipated, then showers may be more widespread into the day Thursday than we are now expecting. In any event, the cloudy skies, a return to northerly winds, and the chances of rain will also make Wednesday and Thursday much cooler than either today or tomorrow. But, it will stay warm enough for this to be a rain only event and there may even be some thunder along the Red River and points southward.

The sunny skies and lighter westerly winds have made for a very pleasant day today. Light winds tonight will return to a more southerly direction by morning then become more E to SE for the afternoon and evening hours. Clouds will also be on the increase by morning and mostly cloudy skies area expected for Tuesday. The rain should be moving in from the south after dark on Tuesday with widespread rainfall expected during the overnight hours and then lingering off and on showers for Wednesday. Some lingering showers will also be possible for Thursday.

Friday looks to be a transition day with partly cloudy skies and southerly winds for at least part of the day before a stronger cold front arrives that afternoon or evening. This front also looks mostly dry but it will bring much cooler conditions for Saturday and to start the day on Sunday.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot