CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - We finally saw some significant and beneficial rain on Thursday, something we really haven't seen in months. Massachusetts drought elevated to “critical” phase The rain started falling early Thursday morning and came down heavy at times. It did get a bit lighter in the afternoon. People in downtown Springfield were using their umbrellas and this soaking rain is much needed. "With this rain coming in it's going to go into the soil, it's going to get on those leaves that are dead on the ground that are just fuel for these wildfires. It's also going to saturate the air a little bit we're not going to be dealing with super, super dry air," said 22News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis. So the rain will help with the brush fire danger and hopefully keep the drought that we're dealing with from getting any worse. Weather News Over an inch of rainfall in western Massachusetts Butternut wildfire grows to nearly 1,400 acres in Great Barrington First significant rain in months seen in western Massachusetts RADAR: Much needed rain headed toward Massachusetts, and some snow