Rainy start to Spring: Above normal rainfall in Michiana

MISHAWAKA, Ind.--Michiana has seen a decent amount of rainfall so far this spring, and we are already in a monthly surplus.

In March, South Bend received 5.32 inches of rainfall. With the normal monthly total being 2.35 inches, the month ended with a surplus of nearly 3 inches.

This month, in April, South Bend has already seen 2.13 inches. Typically, by this time in the month, the normal amount would be just over a half an inch.

The disadvantage of this rainfall is the flood risk. Rivers across Michiana are seeing Flood Warnings. The issue is not necessarily the amount of rainfall, but simply the time of year. In the early spring, the rainwater does not absorb well into the soil. It runs off and pools in rivers, ditches and other low-lying areas. With more rain expected ahead, the flood risk will likely continue and could even worsen.

Flood Warnings aren’t always an indication of extreme rainfall. The rainy pattern Michiana has experienced since the beginning of Meteorological Spring, March 1st, is wetter than usual, but not necessarily extreme.

In August 2016, South Bend received 7.69 inches of rain in one day. That was an extreme and life-altering rainfall event. The entire month of August received a whopping 12.81 inches of rain in total.

With the rainy trend Michiana has seen and will continue to see in the coming days, it is important to stay weather aware of flooding and standing water. Remember, “Turn around, don’t drown.”