Midwest's record dryness in May

In this episode of The Isobar, meteorologist Stephanie Barichello (in for Rob Haswell) is joined by Chicago’s JD Rudd (in for Emily Wahls) and Detroit’s Chief Meteorologist Rich Luterman to break down a month of wild weather extremes. The team looks back at a bizarre May that completely flipped the script on a historic, record-wet April. From Chicago’s 10th driest May to Milwaukee’s driest May on record, the meteorologists discuss mounting drought concerns, yellowing lawns, and unusual blowing dust alerts in Illinois farm fields. They also cast their eyes westward to early-season wildfires and down south to Florida's severe moisture deficit. Looking ahead, they preview a much-needed weekend pattern change that could finally bring rain back to the Great Lakes. Finally, the crew shares their ultimate Midwest summer bucket lists—swapping tips on Milwaukee's endless festival season, Chicago's bustling beaches, and Michigan's breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes and historic lighthouses.