By all outward appearances, the area’s spring moisture situation is just fine. But rain stats tell a different story. Since March 1, only 3.01” has fallen here—less than half (43%) the amount considered normal. That’s a shortfall of 3.88” and makes Meteorological Spring 2005 the driest here since 1958.
Strengthening sunlight, warmer temperatures and the increased evaporation which results is likley to produce more visible signs of the moisture shortfall in the weeks and months ahead unless more rain begins to fall.
Several t-storms threaten to trek across parts of the area later Friday/Friday night, a few may erupt part of Saturday too.
The same frontal system responsible for several hail producing storms in Minnesota, sags south into the area Saturday—before heading back north—allowing well developed south winds to send temps soaring Sunday.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
