Drought — Houston, Minnesota

2023-10-01 to 2023-10-31 · Houston, Minnesota

Event narrative

Long-standing drier than normal conditions, comprised of 13 weeks of at least severe drought (D2), slightly eased in parts of Houston County through October. While several storms provided monthly rainfall totals slightly above normal, the ongoing rainfall deficit since summer allowed severe drought (D2) to persist across southern Houston County while extreme drought (D3) abated. From initial severe drought (D2) issuance on June 27th to the onset of October, 5 to 10 inches of precipitation fell, approximately 6 inches below normal.

Wider weather episode

Long-standing abnormally dry conditions, comprised of 6 to 10 inches below normal rainfall totals from June through September, slightly improved for parts of southeast Minnesota through October. Multiple storms provided 2 to 5 inches of rainfall which was near to slightly above normal. Resultant drought severity retreated south with extreme drought (D3) persisting along the Iowa border and severe drought (D2) just to the north.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1143368. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.