March Rainfall Called a "Miracle"

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain for the next seven days — they're giving it between a 40 and 60 percent chance — something much needed for agriculture, streams and reserviors here. And as a result of the recent rainfall, The Sonoma County Water Agency today changed the county's water supply levels from dry to normal.

They're calling the recent deluge a "March miracle."

There's no sign the rainfall is going to let up this week. Showers and thunderstorms are expected through the weekend, though the sun is expcted to peak through the clouds in mid-week.

Rohnert Park, so far this year, has had a total of 20.5 inches of rain — more than seven of that in the last month alone. Steve Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service says that's low for this time of year.

Last year at this time, nearly 37 inches of rain had fallen in Rohnert Park. Normal for this time of year is about 32 inches, Anderson said.

Water agency officials said more rain is needed.

"March has delivered our water supply system with much needed rain," said Water Agency Assistant General Manager of Operations Pam Jeane. "We would like to see more rain in the coming month so our reservoirs can continue to fill for the upcoming dry season."

"It is important that our community continue using water efficiently," Jeane added. "Especially farmers and residents of Healdsburg and communities to the north, which rely on releases from Lake Mendocino."

Go here to see the full seven-day forecast for Rohnert Park.