Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Extreme drought has returned to Minnesota. 

 update shows extreme drought popping up in some areas near the Twin Cities and Rochester. (Deep red colors on map above)

It’s not a big surprise considering the gorwing rainfall deficits around parts of MInnesota. The rainfall deficit compared to the average has grown to more than 5 inches now at MSP Airport since June 1. Most of Minnesota has recorded less than half of average rainfall in the past 30 days. 

I’ve been talking about the potential for a significant Midwest heatwave next week for days now. Thursday’s forecast models continue the trend. 

NOAA’s upper air (500 millibar) forecast shows a heat dome building across the Upper Midwest next week. This type of upper-level pattern translates to extreme heat at the ground where we live. 

The loop below runs between Sunday and next Thursday. 

Both the European and American GFS models are cranking out high temperatures between 95 and 100 degrees next week for much of the Dakotas and Minnesota. 

It looks like next week could be the hottest week of summer for many locations.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

USDA/UNL

30-day precipitation departure from average 

Extreme drought emerges; extreme heat likely next week

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