Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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The dry trend that began this spring continues for much of western and northern Minnesota. 

Today’s updated U.S. Drought Monitor now puts 18 percent of Minnesota in the moderate drought category. 55 percent of the state is listed as abnormally dry. The dryness covers much of the western and northern parts of Minnesota. The table below lists the latest drought statistics for Minnesota.

It’s still a tale of two precipitation patterns across Minnesota.

Much of southern Minnesota has received more than 5 inches of rain in the past 30 days. But a big chunk of northern Minnesota has logged less than an inch of rain since May 5.

Passing weather systems this weekend and early next week could bring meaningful rain to northern Minnesota. The European model suggests 1 to 2 inches in many locations in northern Minnesota by next Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Cristobal appears headed for the Gulf Coast this weekend. Cristobal’s moisture will funnel northward into the Upper Midwest early next week. It appears the heaviest rainfall will run from Missouri through Wisconsin, where several inches of rain may fall.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

18 percent of Minnesota is now in moderate drought. 

Latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Minnesota 

USDA/UNL

Midwest Regional Climate Center

European model (ECMWF) precipitation output

Drought takes hold in parts of Minnesota

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