Weather expected to warm in this area next week

This week has brought cooler temperatures, after temperatures hit the 80s in this area last week, along with some much-needed rain, but the expectations are for above-normal highs to return next week.

Highs have hit mostly the 60s and low 70s - Havre saw a high of 56 Saturday and 70 Wednesday - from Saturday on through this week, with the normal highs for this time of year about 65.

At least a trace of rain has fallen in the area Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with heavy rain in a thunderstorm hitting Tuesday.

Havre received .42 inches of rain in its official recording station at the city-county airport in that storm, National Weather Service reports.

The forecast calls for rainshowers over the next few days, with the most widespread showers today. Isolated thunderstorms also are possible, Weather Service reports.

The forecast calls for a chance of showers through Saturday, though they will likely push east of the Chester area by then, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.

The rain is expected to end by Sunday, though a chance of showers is back in the forecast by Wednesday.

Highs are expected to be in the 70s early next week and pushing 80 by Wednesday.

The precipitation has helped the area return to close-to or above normal precipitation for the year.

Havre is listed at .81 inches of precipitation for the month as of the end of Wednesday, with the normal value May 10 at .43 inches.

For the year, Havre is listed at 2.56 inches, just short of the normal value of 2.75 inches.

For the water year, measured from Oct. 1 through Sept. 31, which includes heavy snow that fell this winter, the region is much better off.

Havre is listed at 6.1 inches through May 10 for the water year, closing in on 2 inches more than the normal value of 4.31 inches.