Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Drought conditions return to parts of Minnesota

Moderate drought resurfaces across north-central counties

Drought monitor 10-2-25
Drought monitor 10-2-25
NOAA via National Drought Mitigation Center

After months of drought-free conditions across Minnesota, a lack of precipitation has led to the return of moderate drought in several north-central counties.

Dry, warm pattern

A recent stretch of above-average temperatures and limited precipitation has begun to dry things out across Minnesota, particularly in the north. According to the latest Minnesota drought monitor, moderate drought conditions have returned to 3 percent of the state, including several north-central counties such as Hubbard and Cass.

Drought monitor 10-2-25
Drought monitor 10-2-25
NOAA via National Drought Mitigation Center

Rainfall over the past 30 days highlights just how dry northern Minnesota has been, with much of the Northland receiving less than 2 to 3 inches of precipitation, and some counties measuring only an inch or two.

30-day precipitation total
30-day precipitation total
Midwestern Regional Climate Center-MRCC

A shift in the weather pattern will finally bring some rain to the area. Late Sunday, a strong cold front is expected to bring cooler temperatures along with increased chances of precipitation.

Forecast precipitation Sunday 1 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Forecast precipitation Sunday 1 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Currently, northern and northwestern Minnesota are expected to receive the bulk of the rainfall.

Forecast rainfall through Tuesday
Forecast rainfall through Tuesday morning
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

The outlook for next week shows above-average chances for precipitation, which could help prevent further drought development and ease existing drought conditions in affected areas.

6-10 day precipitation outlook
6-10 day precipitation outlook
NOAA via Climate Prediction Center