August in review: Record setting heat and drought caps off the month

Across Minnesota, at least 69 daily maximum temperature records were set or tied, according to retired University of Minnesota professor and climatologist Mark Seeley.

August temperatures generally leaned warmed with an average temperature rise, compared to normal, in the range of one to three degrees Fahrenheit. Many areas reported multiple days with 90 degree temperatures. Much of this heat has been compounded by increased humidity with record-setting dew points as well.

And heat only exacerbates drought. As mentioned on previous weather chats, the drought during August has been consistently worsened by record temps. In Seeley’s review of the month moderate or worse drought changed little while area’s covered in extreme drought increased from 3 percent to 10 percent.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Seeley, after a hiatus in their weekly weather chat. Listen to full conversation above.

• September will warm up despite starting cool
• August in Minnesota ends with above-average rainfall and a gorgeous holiday weekend
• Minnesota State Fair sees unexpected heavy rain on first day