Downpours ends drought concerns in St. Michael area

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources made the common sense decision recently to lift the fire ban it had placed on several area counties after heavy rains this week.

It was sort of an “about time” decision.

After all, the St. Michael area, and much of Wright County, has seen its share of precipitation lately.

Since the calendar turned to May, the National Weather Service has officially measured more than 1.7 inches of rain. At St. Michael Patch headquarters here in Albertville, we’ve measured out more than 2 inches, according to our sources, including an amazing half-inch that fell in about 30 minutes Thursday morning.

That’s left farmers with some standing water in fields, and some washouts in drainage areas that were overwhelmed with rushing water.

Still, it’s alleviated any early season concerns of drought.

Considering April had a total of about 2 inches of precipitation, including about an inch spread between two Saturdays (April 14 and 21), the tide has definitely turned.

Rain is included in this weekend’s forecast, with the high probability of storms tonight (Friday), Saturday and into Sunday morning.

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