Table of Contents
- Why Rainfall Patterns Matter
- Common Rainfall Issues in Irrigation
- Rainfall Patterns Across the U.S. in 2024
- Solutions: Adapting Your Sprinkler System
- Best Smart Irrigation Tools for Rainy Seasons
- Final Tips for Efficient Seasonal Watering
Why Rainfall Patterns Matter
Whether you live in an area with heavy spring showers or late-summer downpours, seasonal rainfall directly affects how and when you should run your sprinkler system. Overwatering is not only wasteful—it can also lead to plant root rot, fungal diseases, and runoff problems.
Key ways rainfall impacts your irrigation:
- Skipping scheduled watering can save you money
- Too much water can harm lawns and landscapes
- Rainy seasons require frequent schedule adjustments
Common Rainfall Issues in Irrigation
Many homeowners and property managers fail to adjust their sprinkler settings as rainfall increases, leading to:
- Overwatering: Causes soggy soil and promotes pests like fungus gnats.
- Runoff: Water waste that can erode soil and carry away nutrients.
- High Water Bills: Unnecessary watering during rainy weeks drives up utility costs.
- Poor Plant Health: Too much water can suffocate roots.
Rainfall Patterns Across the U.S. in 2024
Understanding national and regional rainfall trends can help guide seasonal adjustments. Below is a map showing precipitation percent of average across the U.S. in June 2024:
This data highlights:
- Wetter-than-average conditions across parts of the Midwest and Northeast
- Drier zones emerging in portions of the Southwest and West Coast
- The importance of region-specific sprinkler scheduling
Solutions: Adapting Your Sprinkler System
Here’s how to make your irrigation system more effective during rainy seasons:
Use a Rain Sensor
Automatically shuts off your system during or after rainfall, ensuring you’re not watering already-soaked ground.
Upgrade to a Smart Controller
These devices adjust your watering schedule based on local weather data, including rainfall forecasts and soil moisture levels.
Manually Adjust Timers
If you don’t have a smart system, adjust your timer at least once a month to match the current weather trends.
Best Smart Irrigation Tools for Rainy Seasons
Looking to future-proof your landscape during the wet season? Here are some top tools:
- Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller: Connects to Wi-Fi and adjusts watering based on real-time weather.
- Rain Bird Rain Sensors: Inexpensive and effective, they temporarily stop watering after rainfall.
- Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer: Ideal for gardens and smaller landscapes, with weather-based watering.
Final Tips for Efficient Seasonal Watering
- Monitor your yard weekly to spot soggy or dry areas.
- Adjust based on local rainfall totals, not just forecasts.
- Aerate your lawn before the rainy season to improve drainage and water absorption.
- Use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation between rains and irrigation cycles.
Need help adjusting your sprinkler system for the season?
Our team at Wilcox Brothers can install smart controllers, rain sensors, and provide expert seasonal maintenance.