GRAVETTE — In spite of the recent hot drought in the area, Northwest Benton County is well above average in moisture for the first seven months of the year.

Through July 31 this year, a total of 35.25 inches of moisture has been recorded at the Gravette NOAA weather station. This is 8 1/2 inches more than average for the first seven months of the year.

Heavy rainfall in the area during April and May skewed the average when 15.15 inches of rain was recorded in April and another 10.01 inches in May. A two-foot-deep snowfallduring the winter also contributed to the excess moisture.

Rain during the first two weeks of August this year has totaled 4 1/2 inches, bringing the total for the year within striking distance of the fullyear average of 44.47 inches.

According to local records, dating to 1926, 1973 was the wettest year on record with 71.91 inches. Close behind was 2008 with 71.28 inches.

The driest years were 1963 with 21.76 total inches and 1936 when only 23.94 inches were recorded.

Weather observers Max Bishop, Elson Schmidt and Glenn Justice provided information in their records from previous years.

News, Pages 1 on 08/24/2011