Thunderstorms boomed into Lawrence area overnight, turning into light showers that brought more than an inch of much-needed rain.

“The rain is over,” Matt Makens, 6News meteorologist said Tuesday afternoon. “The cloud edge is right over Topeka now and we should see clearing by sunset. That will mean a very cool night, with lows in the 50s.”

Makens said rain totals around Lawrence varied, with more in the eastern part of the city.

Lawrence Municipal Airport got 1.12 inches. Other locations in town ranged from a high of 1.32 inches in southeast Lawrence to 0.47 of an inch in southwest Lawrence.

Makens said Lawrence’s forecast is dry until the start of next week.

For the month of August, the city has had 1.16 inches of rain. The average August rainfall for the entire month is 3.81 inches.

The last significant rainfall was on July 29, when 0.44 of an inch fell at the airport.

“It’s been a little dry, so this is welcome relief,” said Bruce Chladny, Douglas County’s horticulture extension agent.

Chladny said Tuesday’s rainfall will help green up area lawns, which have gone dormant.

“They definitely need it,” he said. “I think it’s going to take more than this to make a big difference. But this rain is coming at a great time since we’re getting ready for the fall growing season. So this is going to help us get that soil moisture that we need.”