Storm significantly eased Minnesota drought conditions

Our multiday storm system took a big bite out of the drought for central Minnesota. Many areas saw more than 2 inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation. However, 99 percent of the state remains abnormally dry.

A majority of the state no longer in drought thanks to recent storm

What a difference a week — or rather a big spring storm — can make. Thanks almost solely to the recent, multiday storm system, one-third of Minnesota that was in drought a week ago no longer is. That includes all of the Twin Cities metro area. 

Last week’s report showed 74 percent of Minnesota in at least moderate drought. Thursday’s updated drought monitor shows 43 percent of the state in drought. But 99 percent of the state is still abnormally dry, so we definitely could use more moisture this spring. 

Much of south-central and southeastern Minnesota as well as up the North Shore saw almost 2 or more inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation. Northwestern and north-central Minnesota saw significantly less and those areas remain in drought. 

Year-to-date precipitation anomalies (departure from normal) shows a surplus of moisture now in central and southeastern Minnesota. Keep in mind, however, we carry over deficits from the last few years in our soils, lakes and rivers. 

We ended 2023 in the Twin Cities with a precipitation deficit of 1.88 inches. 2022 had an 8.60 inch deficit and in 2021, 5.61 inches. The last year with a surplus was 2019, which was our wettest year on record. 2019 ended with a surplus of nearly 1 foot of precipitation.

Since 2019, we’re behind by 6.23 inches overall. This is reflected in places like Lake Minnetonka, which is about a half-foot below normal.