DECATUR - A rainy summer day was a welcome relief Tuesday for many people throughout Central Illinois.

More than an inch of rain fell in the Decatur area Tuesday morning, while more was expected in the evening, said Dan Smith, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Lincoln.

The showers should end this afternoon, but Smith cautioned that the heat and humidity are expected back in the area by Thursday.

For farmers, the rain comes at a crucial time. In Macon County, the corn has been rolling to protect itself against the heat, said the county's farm bureau manager.

"(Tuesday's) rain will definitely be a help, but with higher temperatures coming at the end of the week, that could probably put the corn right back into stress a little bit," Tim Stock said. "Another shower in the next week or two would always be beneficial."

Corn is in the midst of its pollination process, a period when moisture is needed, said Amy Rochkes, Shelby County Farm Bureau manager.

Rochkes said the light rain that fell Tuesday was the best thing for the crops, including corn and soybeans.

"We don't want storms or hail and heavy winds," Rochkes said. "We want the nice, gentle rains that come over a long period of time."

Tuesday's showers should bring the area's total closer to where it should be, Smith said.

In Decatur, the precipitation didn't stop young golfers playing in the Team Soy Decatur Junior Open at Scovill and Hickory Point golf courses. The tournament, which wraps up today, started on time and play wasn't delayed despite showers Tuesday morning before the skies cleared, said Rick Anderson, Decatur Park District director of golf.

Anderson welcomed the rain because the courses were beginning to get dry. He hopes the rain will keep the courses green despite the return of heat and humidity.

"High heat and humidity is not good for golf courses," Anderson said. "That's just a function of summer."

Chris Lusvardi can be reached at clusvardi@herald-review.com or 421-7972.