The first day of summer will be marked by showers throughout the day, with up to an inch of rain expected to fall over the southwest.

     The rain will no doubt affect outdoor activities planned for today, especially day two of the Windscape Kite Festival, and the Father's Day Soap Box Races.

     For now, both events are going ahead as scheduled.

     Also, heavy rain along Highway 32 has left construction areas near Abbey very muddy and slippery. The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure says traffic is not recommended in that area, and motorists are being asked to use alternate routes. 

     Although the rain puts a damper on the first day of summer, it is desperately needed by farmers who are suffering from extreme drought conditions.

     The weekly crop report shows just 52% of topsoil moisture being reported as adequate, 35% is short, and 13% is very short.  The driest areas are along the western half of the province.