Mower County remains under a burn ban, but rain in the forecast may help with the dry conditions.

The Mower County Sheriff’s office issued the ban on Saturday.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Jones, a system coming through the area could bring rain over the coming days with the highest chance of showers and thunderstorms being this afternoon and evening.

Jones said the system could bring about a ¼ of an inch of rain to the area with chances of rain decreasing on Wednesday and Thursday as the front moves south.

Although wind gusts are expected to decrease after the front leaves Mower County, Jones said it is too early to tell if conditions would be safe to lift the burn ban. That depends on the amount of rain and how much greener the grass becomes. Greener grass reduces the risk of burning.

Until then, the burn ban will remain in effect in Mower County. This includes all open burns, even for those with burn permits.