Finally, rain

Coeur d’Alene received its first measurable rainfall in July on Wednesday morning — 500th of an inch.

So, no, North Idaho’s drought isn’t over. Not even close. It heated up into the 80s the rest of the day. It’s still dry as dirt out there.

“A drop in the ocean,” said Coeur d’Alene climatologist Cliff Harris.

Still, the good news was that the thunderstorm brought the area’s first rain since mid-June and gray clouds cooled things down. Harris said some places got more than others.

He doesn’t foresee any rainfall in the immediate future, but believes some could fall in August.

After a snowless January, Harris said he’s not surprised by a nearly rainless North Idaho summer.

“There’s no normal,” he said.