NEW ULM — Light to moderate rain fell Thursday, adding relief to abnormally dry conditions in and around the Minnesota River Valley.

“Any amount of moisture will help,” said National Weather Service Chanhassen Meteorologist Paige Veserat.

Moderate drought conditions were listed in southwestern Minnesota. Severe drought conditions were noted in the extreme southwestern Minnesota corner, according to Thursday’s updated U.S. Drought Monitor.

With a Saturday’s forecast high in the upper 30s and 10-15 mph winds, the New Ulm Park and Recreation Dept. moved its annual Easter Egg Hunt from Harman Park to the New Ulm Civic Center south arena.

The Schell’s Brewery Easter Egg Hoppy Hunt set for 1-2 p.m. Saturday has been moved inside the visitor’s center.

The Way of the Cross public prayer and meditation led by Bishop Chad Zielinski at 3 p.m., on Good Friday, was moved from the Way of the Cross shrine to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

It’s been a long time since thunderstorms happened here, but Veserat said its possible Friday night.

“You could have thunderstorms Friday, then transition to snow beginning at 5 a.m. If snow sticks on the ground, it will be minimal,” she said. “Winds will be 10-15 mph Saturday before switching to the west and could hit the 30s by 3-4 p.m.”

Veserat said Easter Sunday should be dry and sunny with a high near 50 in New Ulm.

“It’s not ideal weather for spring, but it’s OK,” she said.

New Ulm’s forecast high for Wednesday, April 8 is 66. A few tenths of an inch of rain are predicted next Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Seasonal Temperature Outlook for May through July is slightly above average for southwest and extreme southern Minnesota. Average temperatures are forecast for the rest of the state over the period.

The NWS Seasonal Precipitation Outlook for May through July in Minnesota is average.