Last summer, we had drought conditions. Now, we're stuck in a pattern of above normal rain.

If you're under the impression that it rains just about every other day lately, you're right.

We just crossed the midpoint of July, and Milwaukee has recorded some precipitation virtually half the days since the beginning of March, according to National Weather Service data.

Participants in the Republican National Convention were greeted with a thunderstorm and lightning Monday night. Noah Kahan's concert at Alpine Valley in East Troy was canceled two nights earlier because of storms. That's pretty much the way it's been going.

"This spring we got in a wet pattern, and we haven't gotten out of it," said Mark Gehring, lead meteorologist for the National Wather Service office in Sullivan, Wis.

It's particularly noticeable because last summer was marked by dry weather, even droughts.

In 2023, Milwaukee recorded 7.14 inches of rain in spring — March, April and May — more than two inches below normal. This spring, Milwaukee recorded 15.82 inches of rain , more than six inches above normal. River flooding and flash floods have been reported, and some farm fields have been flooded, stunting the growth of crops like corn, Gehring said.

This year, for June and the first half of July, Milwaukee has recorded 6.86 inches of rain, 0.75 inch above normal.

Different parts of Wisconsin are being hit differently.

"As you go west across southern Wisconsin, rainfall amounts went up drastically, so the far eastern part of Milwaukee was a lower area for rain," said Gehring.

There's no question the fluctuations can be attributed to climate change.

"What happens is that jet streams get stuck in a pattern," Gehring said. "If you get stuck in a portion of a jet stream where it's going to be stormy, you're going to get a lot of rain."

Despite all the rain, those that work outside remain mostly unfazed. Dan Bukiewicz, the president of Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council, didn't seem concerned about work being stalled by weather conditions.

While he admitted that some elements of construction such as concrete pouring, earth moving and painting can be impacted by rainy weather conditions, he believes workers are managing well.

"For the most part, the contractors have been able to work around it, just like they do in the wintertime," Bukiewicz said. "No need to press the panic button yet."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Last summer, we had drought conditions. Now, we're stuck in a pattern of above normal rain.