Rains help, but moisture is still behind

HARTINGTON — Recent rainfall has helped ease some immediate dryness concerns across the area, but Northeast Nebraska remains well behind normal moisture levels after an exceptionally dry start to 2026.

Through May 19, Hartington had received just 0.5 inches of precipitation during the month, including .22 inches May 17, .34 inches on May 18 and .01 inches on May 19.

That total remains far below what is typically expected during May, which historically ranks as one of the area’s wettest months with average precipitation totals ranging from roughly 3.5 to 4 inches.

The region entered spring already carrying a significant moisture deficit after January and February combined for only 1.41 inches of precipitation.