Drought — Houston, Minnesota

2023-07-04 to 2023-07-31 · Houston, Minnesota

Event narrative

Abnormally dry conditions with monthly rainfall totals 2 to 5 inches below normal across Houston County for June resulted in severe drought conditions realized for 84 square miles, or 15% of Houston County in the beginning of July. While slight relief was realized into the middle of July from passing storm systems, July rainfall totals finished 2 inches below normal in spots. This resulted in 493 square miles, or 86% of Houston County in severe drought conditions by late July.

Wider weather episode

A dry start to summer resulted in severe drought conditions developing across portions of southeast Minnesota near the start of July. A pair of storm systems brought temporary slight alleviation to severe drought conditions for some areas by mid July. However, dry conditions later in the month resulted in severe drought conditions returning or even worsening to extreme during the second half of the month.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1117732. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.