Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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Minnesota's drought conditions are showing signs of improvement. Recent rounds of rainfall have helped alleviate some of the dryness, with a few areas seeing a reduction in drought severity.

Drought improvements observed, including metro area

A more active weather pattern featuring multiple rounds of precipitation has been beneficial in easing drought conditions across the region. These rainfall events have made significant strides in alleviating dryness. 

Precipitation totals over the past seven days have ranged from 1 inch to more than 3 inches across central to southeastern Minnesota. 

It's no surprise that the areas with the most significant improvements in drought severity align with those that received the heaviest rainfall. The correlation between recent precipitation and drought relief is clear, with the wettest regions seeing the greatest reductions in dryness.

The greater metro area is now considered abnormally dry, compared to a moderate drought last week. 

Severe drought coverage has improved by 5 percent, dropping from 51 percent of the state last week to just over 46 percent this week. 

Moderate drought coverage experienced the greatest improvement, decreasing from greater than 90 percent of the state last week to just over 83 percent this week. 

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Minnesota's drought conditions are showing signs of improvement. Recent rounds of rainfall have helped alleviate some of the dryness, with a few areas seeing a reduction in drought severity.


National Drought Mitigation Center

Observed precipitation for the past 7 days

Minnesota drought conditions improve

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