Drought in Northern Aitkin, Minnesota

July began with D1 Moderate Drought conditions across much of northern Aitkin County. Continued dry conditions over the month led to the introduction of D2 Severe Drought with the update on the 25th across the southern half of the northern part of the county that persisted through the remainder of the month. Rainfall deficits for the month of 2 to 4 inches were observed across the northern part of county.

Drought conditions rapidly worsened across the Northland during the month of July. After record snowfall in many areas over the winter, dry conditions took hold for the spring into the summer with rainfall deficits of 1 to 4 inches for the month across much of northeastern Minnesota. D1 Moderate Drought quickly took hold across the area during the beginning of the month with D2 Severe Drought spreading into far western and southern areas as the month progressed. Area creeks and rivers dropped to low flow levels and crops began to suffer across much of the region.