Rain, rain, here to stay

COEUR d'ALENE - Good thing we like rain in North Idaho.

What's that? We don't like rain?

That could be a problem.

Because Coeur d'Alene is about to set a rainfall record for March - and there's more where that came from.

It's just another part of the season of weird weather.

"It's been an usual period, to say the least," said climatologist Cliff Harris.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, the Lake City has been on the receiving end of 5.31 inches of rain this month, close to the all-time mark of 5.37 set in 1916. It has already topped last year's 5.02 inches of March rain, second on the all-time list.

Of Monday's .88 inches of rain, .66 fell in just three hours, 8-11 a.m.

"It poured," Harris said.

Thanks to three cold fronts coming this way, more rain is expected through Sunday. So we're going to stay wet.

But that can be a good thing.

"Every drop of rain adds to the record," Harris said.

It's not just the rain that's got us shivering and running for cover.

It snowed another 1.2 inches Monday, bringing the season's total to 80.1 inches. It has snowed 13.5 inches this month, double the normal snowfall of 6.3.

Despite all the rain, the Silver Valley remains relatively flood free, with the Cataldo River expected to crest Thursday at 41 feet, well before the flood stage of 43 feet.

It should dry out and warm up a bit next week, Harris said. And mid-April to mid-June look warmer and drier than normal as El Nino-like conditions take hold.

"We seem to be heading in that direction," Harris said.