Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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It’s been a dry summer and early fall across parts of Minnesota.

September rainfall was well below average across much of the state. Less than an inch of rain fell across most of Minnesota in September. Parts of western Minnesota recorded less than .50” of rain last month. 

The Twin Cities picked up just .88” rainfall in September. It was the 16th driest September on record in the Twin Cities.

Overall September precipitation was less than half of average across most of Minnesota.

Moderate drought conditions have been in place across northeast Minnesota for a few months now. But 45 percent of Minnesota is now listed as abnormally dry according to Thursday’s U.S. Drought Monitor. That includes the Twin Cities area. Moderate drought is also noted in parts of southwest Minnesota. 

Much of Minnesota will pick up light rain Saturday, and another shot of light rain may arrive Monday night. But most of next week looks dry again. 

We could see drought areas expand in Minnesota by the time next week’s drought monitor is released. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Dryness is taking hold across Minnesota.


Midwest Regional Climate Center

September precipitation departure from average

USDA/UNL

NOAA GFS model precipitation output through Saturday October 12

Nearly half of Minnesota trending toward drought status

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