July showed record-breaking precipitation despite dry weather in earlier months

After two years of drought, it’s turning out to be a particularly wet and cool summer in Minnesota.

Rain and flooding in July allowed for a record-high statewide average precipitation of 21.22 inches, according to climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley. The previous wettest year-to-date statewide average precipitation was in 1993 with a value of 21.20 inches.

“This is a remarkably high number considering that the year started off with below-normal precipitation averages across the state,” he said.

At this rate, many climate stations in Minnesota will likely end up with over 50 inches of precipitation for the year 2024, a number that is equivalent to the average annual amount in Athens, Ga.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Seeley about the record-setting precipitation and a weekend warmup in their weekly weather chat.

Click play on the player above to listen to the full conversation.

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