However, we have had more than our fair share. In the last 10 days alone, Dayton has picked up 5.28 inches of rain; we average 4.66 inches for the entire month of May. A daily rainfall record was set on April 28, when over an inch and a half fell within 24 hours. Dayton had the ninth longest stretch of consecutive days with measured rainfall, at nine days in a row. Areas north and west of the Dayton metro area have picked up even more rain. Parts of Montgomery, Miami, Darke, Preble and Shelby Counties picked up between 6 to 7 inches of rain over this 10-day period.
Our unsettled weather pattern looks to continue into mid-May with yet another storm system expected to bring more showers this week. The recent rain has been good and bad depending on your perspective. For some farmers, the consistent rain has prevented them from getting into the fields to plant crops. Some other unsettling news is that once temperatures warm, mosquito populations may be on the increase quickly with any areas of standing water. If you notice any around your home, make sure to try to get rid of it.
There is some good news though with wetter conditions and that could help to ease the chances of an extremely hot summer, at least to start. All of this rain has increased the soil moisture levels which on hot days, can keep temperatures from rising as quickly thanks to evaporational cooling. However, if we were to suddenly dry out, then it wouldn’t take long for the soil moisture to get depleted. Dry ground can heat up quickly in the baking sun.
Despite the recent rain and the forecast of more rain in the near term, most long-range outlooks still show an above average, warm summer ahead.
Eric Elwell is WHIO StormCenter 7 Chief Meteorologist. Contact him at eric.elwell@coxinc.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
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