Burst of rain foreshadows month ahead

Wind and air quality have been the big headlines of June’s weather patterns so far, but now rain is making its way to the top.

“In fact, just in the last 36 hours, we’ve had about an inch and a half of rain at my house,” said climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley. “And the outlooks continue to favor that the second half of the month is going to be rainier than normal.”

Despite the burst of rain overnight Friday, moderate drought remains for 17 percent of Minnesota, mostly in the north and southwest.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked about the rain and drought in their weekly weather chat. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

• Heat kicks into high gear after storms move through state
• June came in hot, but weekend rains will cool it down
• May rains helped tamp down drought across Minnesota