MONROE - A swift-moving line of thunderstorms dumped almost an inch of rain on the Monroe area Wednesday, July 18 - the first significant rainfall in almost eight weeks for much of the area.
The storm clouds began moving into the Monroe area shortly after 5 p.m. According to weather data from the National Weather Service, .1 inch of rain fell at the Monroe Municipal Airport by 6:35 p.m. As the clouds darkened and lightning flashed, the rain became heavy at times for the next 90 minutes. Almost an inch, .92 inches, fell by the time the rain subsided.
The rain brought a collective sigh of relief for many: The area has been under severe drought conditions, with local crops threatened. Gov. Walker declared a drought emergency for much of southern Wisconsin last week; earlier on Wednesday, that order was extended for the entire state.
Despite the dousing, the area is still significantly below average rainfall. There was just .2 inches of precipitation recorded at the Monroe airport during June and none for July, compared to the average 2.28 inches month-to-date for July. Year-to-date, the area has had 7.67 inches of precipitation, compared to the normal 20.27 inches. The last significant rainfall in the area was Saturday, May 26, when about three-quarters of an inch fell.
The storm brought flash flooding in Madison, as well as hail and some damage, including downed power lines, in communities from Sauk City to Orfordville. As of press time Wednesday, there were no reports of significant damage in the Green County area.
A chance of thunderstorms continues today, July 19.
The storm clouds began moving into the Monroe area shortly after 5 p.m. According to weather data from the National Weather Service, .1 inch of rain fell at the Monroe Municipal Airport by 6:35 p.m. As the clouds darkened and lightning flashed, the rain became heavy at times for the next 90 minutes. Almost an inch, .92 inches, fell by the time the rain subsided.
The rain brought a collective sigh of relief for many: The area has been under severe drought conditions, with local crops threatened. Gov. Walker declared a drought emergency for much of southern Wisconsin last week; earlier on Wednesday, that order was extended for the entire state.
Despite the dousing, the area is still significantly below average rainfall. There was just .2 inches of precipitation recorded at the Monroe airport during June and none for July, compared to the average 2.28 inches month-to-date for July. Year-to-date, the area has had 7.67 inches of precipitation, compared to the normal 20.27 inches. The last significant rainfall in the area was Saturday, May 26, when about three-quarters of an inch fell.
The storm brought flash flooding in Madison, as well as hail and some damage, including downed power lines, in communities from Sauk City to Orfordville. As of press time Wednesday, there were no reports of significant damage in the Green County area.
A chance of thunderstorms continues today, July 19.