something wrong with Power Steering. check for leaks. The power steering pump may also be broken. but whatever the cause is, it's a good bet it's power steering problem.
The steering wheel in your 1996 may be hard to turn because you are low on power steering fluid. You can add some on your own and your steering wheel will not be hard to turn.
Possibly the belt driving the power steering pump is worn or loose, and when wet, slips, causing the steering to get stiff.
Bad power steering pump
Steering/suspension components worn? Bad steering rack? Power steering pump getting weak?
Low on steering pump fluid or a lose belt
you power steering fluid may be low, if that was the case then you would have lowerd hydrolic power to steer the wheels and have to compensate by using more force...which may be why your steering is stiff.
Steering is "way too stiff" where is adjustment located and how do I proceed. Thanks...Ron
Control cable worn? Bad throttle body assembly?
If the power steering fluid leaks out the steering would become very stiff, and perhaps "lock" if the car were parked.
Your cars power steering pump has to warm up for a little while to stop it.
Bad steering rack? Bad steering gear? Pitman arm?
Typical symptoms include the following: Stiff steering when cold, slack in steering, pissing fluid on the ground from the inner tie-rod boots.