Drippy Chicago has seen more rain since May 1 than it ever has, dating to 1871

It’s been as rainy in Chicago since May 1 as it’s ever been in the same period, according to the National Weather Service — and the rain could is expected to stick around the rest of Thursday and Friday, with flooding possible in some areas.

From the start of May through Wednesday, 12.411 inches of rain had been measured at the city’s official recording station at O’Hare Airport — more, according to the weather service, than for the same stretch in Chicago than in any other year, going back as far as records are kept, to 1871.

The previous record was set in 1892.

Chicago also saw its wettest May ever this year, according to the weather service, with 8.21 inches, which broke the previous record of 7.59 inches, set in May 1945.

Through Wednesday, the city has recorded 4.2 inches of rain so far in June.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected for much of the day Thursday, with more rain forecast Friday, the weather service said.

Overall for “meteorological spring” — March, April and May — Chicago recorded a total of 12.67 inches of rain, according to the weather service, which says that’s about three inches more than normal.

Priscilla Badell peers around the corner while staying out from the rain. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times

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A man rides his bicycle on Washington Street during the rain on Thursday, June 21, 2018. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times

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A CTA bus splashes through a puddle on Washington Street during the rain on Thursday, June 21, 2018. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times | Colin Boyle/Sun-Time file photo

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A person carrying an umbrella works down an alley on Madison Street during the rain on Thursday, June 21, 2018. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times

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Two men with umbrellas pass on Morgan Street during the rain Thursday morning. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times file

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