Warm, wet start to July, but drought persists

The first nine days of July have been wet and warmer than average, but not wet enough to substantially ease drought in the driest regions of Minnesota.

After several inches of rainfall across much of the state — and anywhere from 6-9 inches in southeastern Minnesota — the rest of the month is forecast to have a drier pattern, according to retired climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley.

Unlike high daytime temperatures, which were waar but not unprecedented, July rainfall amounts did set some new records.

“The Austin wastewater treatment plant has reported 11.03 inches down there, which is a record, and we still have three weeks to go. Spring Valley's reported 11.26 inches, which is already a July record for them,” Seeley said. “The all-time record in that area of the state for July is 13.48 inches at Grand Meadow back in 1999, and Grand Meadow’s already had 11.15 inches, so they're getting close.”

The rainfall helped reduce some areas of dryness, but much of north-central and southwestern Minnesota still has moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Listen to Seeley and Cathy Wurzer’s weekly weather chat by clicking the player button above.

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