Area fields still need more rain; Wednesday and Thursday rain is possible

Much needed rain fell in the area on Sunday, but fields and lawns are still lacking
necessary moisture. On Sunday, Charles City reported about a tenth of an inch, but the
New Hampton area saw more rainfall, in the neighborhood of a third of an inch. Mason
City received about a half-inch of rain on Sunday. Rainfall amounts for July in the area
were about 1.8 inches below normal, with the normal rainfall of 4.8 inches. And, there
hasn’t been a significant rainfall in the area since July 19th. Many lawns and gardens
are showing the stress of a lack of moisture, and crops in the area are in need of
moisture to reach maturity. There is a slight change of rain today, and another chance
in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.