Rainfall near normal for first time in years

Rain water flows swiftly under the bridge in McCook's Kelley Park, a rare occurrence unless Mother Nature lets loose with an abundant amount of rain in a short amount of time. Wind evidently accompanied the rain early this morning, as a tree toppled onto West P, presenting a driving hazard for westbound traffic. (Connie Jo Discoe)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The month of June has gotten off to a great start, at least when it comes to local rainfall. After May ended roughly at the month's average, 3.10 inches of precipitation, June has already hit 3.90 inches as of 11 a.m. Monday.

The early June rainfall puts the region on pace to potentially match the annual average precipitation for the first time in several years. After ending May with 4.96 inches year-to-date, compared to a 7.94 inch YTD average, the recent rain has increased the YTD precipitation total to 8.86 inches, compared to a YTD average of 8.97 inches through June 9.

Local farmers and ag industry officials appreciate the way the rainfall has been spread out since the beginning of the month and is forecasted to continue.

Wind evidently accompanied the rain early this morning, as a tree toppled onto West P, presenting a driving hazard for westbound traffic. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

"It's been a great benefit to the area and will significantly help spring crops and wheat that isn't too far along," said Ken Carriker, Red Willow County Farm Service Agency Executive Director.

The first of the month brought just more than a half-inch of precipitation followed by four days of little more than trace amounts and just shy of one-and-a-quarter inch of rainfall on Friday.

Saturday was rain-free before another half-inch arrived on Sunday.

The upper level disturbance arriving Sunday is predicted by the National Weather Service to continue local rainfall until early Monday evening.

Forecasts predict rain to return again as early as Saturday, with isolated thunderstorms to cap-off four days of mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.