Close to normal weather expected for May

LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) - The first four months of this year were dry and mild, it looks as though May won't follow that trend.

Western Massachusetts started the month of May with splashes and puddles. Much needed rain made for a soggy drive, ponding on the sides of the road and busy windshield wipers.

April didn't bring us many April showers. For the month, we had only about two-thirds of the typical rain for the month and high temperatures averaged 4 degrees warmer than normal.

"I kind of liked how it's been holding up, the nice weather. I really want to hit up the beach…I would prefer it to continue, but I mean I guess it's alright. I like the rain," said Catie Laraway of Westfield.

The first few months of 2012 were on the mild side and also dry, however it does look like things will be a little closer to normal as we go through the month of May.

The Climate Prediction Center's forecast for May shows close to normal temperatures and rainfall for western Massachusetts.

Average highs for a typical May are around 70 degrees with about 4 inches of rain.

"I hope it comes back to normal so that we don't have a drought this summer…my plants are in need of a sprinkle, it's kind of brown this time of year," said Janice Sargent of Northfield.

Not everyone wants the much needed rain.

"The rain is miserable; it's hard working outside when it's raining. It's a lot nicer when you can be in warm sleeves and no rain coat moving around," said Caleb Machak of Holyoke.

Even after today's rain, much of western Massachusetts is still in a moderate drought .