WEATHER: Soggy end to May but summer months looking warmer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the end of the month approaches, May 2017 will go down as one of the wettest for the city of Charlotte. So far, the Queen City has recorded 5.76 inches, nearly 3 inches above average.

Twelve days this month recorded rain, accompanied by strong wind and severe weather. Multiple tornadoes were recorded in the Carolinas as well, including two on May 24 in Union and Iredell counties.

Currently, May 2017 is the fifth-wettest May in the past 78 years in Charlotte.

It was also a warmer-than-average month, with only eight days recording high temperatures below average. Despite 17 days in the 80s, the city of Charlotte has not recorded the first 90-degree day so far this year. The average first 90-degree day is May 20, but has occurred as late as early July.

[IMAGES: Viewer photos of storm clouds on Monday]

May 31 also marks the end of meteorological spring. Looking back at the past three months, this season brought plenty of rainfall to the Carolinas, helping to erase any drought concerns heading into the summer. In total, Charlotte recorded 14.01 inches from March 1 through May 29, which is 3.78 inches ahead of average.

[FORECAST: Muggy, seasonal temperatures expected for the week]

Summer months heat up, dry out across the region

Looking ahead to June and meteorological summer, expect conditions to finally start drying out. Typically, June averages 3.74 inches of rain with average highs in the mid-80s. The early forecast for the upcoming month brings above-average temperatures, with average rainfall expected.

Meteorological summer officially begins on Thursday and runs through the end of August. This time frame is typically our wettest months, with an average of 11.64 inches of rain. Forecasts for the next three months keep conditions near average for precipitation, but warmer than average in the Carolinas.

Weather Resources:

• Track the rain with WSOC-TV weather app
• Explore the interactive radar

Cox Media Group