Staff photo by Fritz Busch Broadway drivers deal with a downpour Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service forecast nearly a half inch of rainfall with a high of 35 degrees in New Ulm Tuesday. Wednesday’s forecast has a high of 37 degrees under cloudy skies.

NEW ULM — After months of extreme drought, the skies opened up in southern Minnesota Tuesday, unloading nearly a half inch of rain in and around New Ulm, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS issued a wind advisory in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday. Southeast winds of 20-25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph were forecast for parts of south central and southeast Minnesota. Impacts included gusty winds blowing around unsecured objects. Drivers were urged to use extra caution, especially in high-profile vehicles.

Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart, Butterfield-Odin, Cedar Mountain, Comfrey, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, Mountain Lake, Red Rock Central, Redwood Area Schools, Sleepy Eye Public School and Wabasso schools closed Tuesday.

The New Ulm Senior Center was closed Tuesday. The Searles Baseball shareholders meeting Tuesday night was postponed to noon Sunday at the Searles Bar & Grill.

The NWS forecast three inches of snow in New Ulm Thursday and snow showers Friday. Then we get arctic air. Single digit lows above and below zero are forecast for Saturday through Tuesday, Dec. 22. Weekend highs are predicted in the teens with single-digit highs next week.

For more information, visit weather.gov.