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The latest United States Drought Monitor report shows growing concern for northwestern Minnesota, where precipitation has been scarce over the past month. An active weather pattern has funneled most of the recent rainfall into the eastern and southern half of the state.

They say April showers bring May flowers, and if that’s true, eastern and southern Minnesota might be in for an abundance of blooms after all the rain they've soaked up over the past month. 

Southwestern Minnesota, in particular, has received over 4 to 5 inches of rain, while northwestern counties have seen less than 1 inch. Quite the difference in rainfall across the state! 

The latest drought monitor report highlights a growing concern for northwestern Minnesota, which has now moved into the moderate drought category. Levels have grown from just over 41 percent last week to over 46 percent. 

On the other hand, areas in southwestern Minnesota are currently free from any drought concerns compared to last week.

Our active weather pattern will persist through early next week, with several systems bringing widespread precipitation. By the time the next drought monitor is issued, statewide rainfall could total another inch.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

The latest United States Drought Monitor report shows growing concern for northwestern Minnesota, where precipitation has been scarce over the past month. An active weather pattern has funneled most of the recent rainfall into the eastern and southern half of the state.


NOAA via National Drought Mitigation Center

NOAA via WeatherBELL Analytics

Forecast rainfall through May 1st at 7 a.m. 

Latest drought report shows concerns for northwestern Minnesota

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