Possible rain incoming, likely won't help drought conditions

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) -While a little rain is on the way, experts it likely won’t help with the ongoing drought conditions.

Local rainfall totals are around 5 inches short of the average fall totals, and the entire state remains in drought.

Consequences of the dry conditions include increased wildfire risk, changes to the schedule of fall colors and difficulty for farmers to prepare for spring planting.

There is some rain in the forecast, but experts say it will take a lot more to make a dent in the ongoing drought, meaning relief is expected any time this week.

”Best chance of rain right now as far as more widespread that could kind of put a dent into drought conditions is looking to be around Halloween, we’re going to watch a system now that’s a week and a half out but that looks like right now that will be the best chance of seeing some widespread rain,” said First Alert Meteorologist Daniel Sawicki. “We’re probably going to need a good half inch of rain to really minimize those fire concerns.”

New drought monitors are released every Thursday.

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