Rain is in the forecast.

That’s good because Albert Lea, like much of southern Minnesota, remains in what the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies as a severe drought.

The rest of Minnesota is listed as in a moderate drought or else abnormally dry.

But we need a big drink of water. The conditions are ripe for wildfires, and farmers and gardeners are facing tough growing conditions because of a lack of subsoil moisture.

However, we have seen rain in the forecast, only to have it pass us by. For example, wasn’t it supposed to rain Thursday?

Hopefully, by the time you read this, we are in a heavy downpour.