Douglas: Some drops in the drought bucket

It was a bit raw standing in line to vote Tuesday, but I was not going to complain about rain. Not this year. We started the year in severe drought, and we are ending it in severe drought — with the seventh-wettest summer on record for the metro sandwiched in between. Partly dusty with a risk of flooding.

According to climate scientist Brian Brettschneider and data from PRISM climate group, last month was the third-driest October in the U.S. since 1895. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows very few states untouched by drought, so I’m relieved to see it can still rain. Keep that in mind this weekend, when more light rain arrives. Another soaking would be a godsend right about now.

Clouds linger Wednesday, but the sun makes an appearance Thursday and Friday before the next stormy swirl arrives with rainy spells over the weekend. I see 50s into next Tuesday followed by a real cold front the middle of next week; maybe a coating up north?

Meanwhile Tropical Storm Rafael is strengthening near Cuba but forecast to weaken in the Gulf of Mexico.