SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- April was rather eventful with severe weather, but overall, precipitation totals were slightly below average. South Bend recorded just over 2.5 inches of rain for the month—nearly an inch below normal—with more than half of that falling in a single day early on in the month. 

Looking ahead, May is shaping up to be drier than usual. Long-range models suggest below normal rainfall, with the occasional pop-up shower possible for the first half of the month. Although we are rainy this today, drier conditions are expected to settle in over the next couple of weeks.

A warm, dry air mass is forecast to dominate the region, limiting widespread rain. However, a lingering low-pressure system may trigger brief, isolated showers. While this dry spell could benefit farmers looking to get crops in the ground, an extended period without rain raises the risk of drought and increased temperatures.

As always, long-range forecasts carry some uncertainty. We’ll continue to monitor trends and provide updates as conditions evolve.