Minnesota drought widens; report shows worst conditions this year

Thursday’s U.S. Drought Monitor report shows all categories of drought have expanded in the state, putting conditions at their worst so far this year with little in the way of significant precipitation in the forecast.

‘Exceptional’ drought conditions surface

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report for Minnesota is the worst yet this year. For the first time, we now have “exceptional” drought in portions of Aitkin and Carlton counties in the northeast as well as in Freeborn and Mower counties in the southeast.

The past two extreme and rare late season heat waves have really taken a toll on the drought situation. You can see the last four drought monitor reports become progressively worse.

It is worth noting that this latest drought monitor does not include the rainfall some areas saw late Tuesday. The areas of rainfall and exceptional drought do not overlap fully, however.

Since June 1, rainfall deficits across the state since range from as little as 1.72 inches below normal in the Fargo-Moorhead area to as high as 9.32 inches in Rochester.

The rainfall deficit in the Twin Cities stands at 7.79 inches below normal. We would have to receive more than double our normal fall rainfall in order to make up that deficit.

Minor rain chances, warmer temps ahead

Unfortunately, there are no widespread soaking rains in the forecast. We do have a chance of some spotty showers and thunderstorms late Saturday into Sunday and early Monday but it’s unlikely to amount to a lot.