Drought stricken east is finally getting wet

KMSP - It’s been a tough few months for much of the east.  Exceedingly dry conditions have been the norm from Louisiana and Mississippi through Georgia, the Tennessee Valley, the Southern Appalachians, and then into the Northeast.  Some spots are down nearly 2 feet of rain as compared to average just since June!  But finally, it looks like many areas will get a much needed drink.  While some severe weather may accompany the rains, widespread amounts of 2 to 5 inches are likely through the workweek.  Local amounts could top 6 inches in spots across the Tennessee Valley and the Appalachians.  While this won’t cure the drought, it will certainly help as many lakes and rivers in the south are at their lowest levels in several years.  After this week, there is more hope on the horizon as our pattern change may be spelling a longer wet period for much of the East Coast as we head through December.