Rain gauges in Iowa filled up about twice as fast as normal in May. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says an average of six-point-eight-two inches of rain fell in May, the statewide average is three-point-nine-eight inches. Hillaker says the state’s pulled out of what had been a dry pattern in 2000.March is the only month in the last seven to have below average rainfall. Hillaker says the numbers show a normal May temperature wise — but he says it’s a case of statistics not telling the whole story. The first 20 days of the month were much warmer than normal — then things cooled off and May finished just about average. Hillaker says 2001 has been a 50-50 proposition thus far. Hillaker says we shouldn’t expect a huge warm up this month.He’s still predicting a cooler and wetter than normal summer, but says it’ll only be a few degrees cooler. He says there is a good side to the cool weather as it has kept down the number of severe storms thus far this spring, as warm weather is what generates the storms.
Iowa's Radio News Network
