Drought in Southern Itasca, Minnesota

D2 Severe Drought conditions were in place across the far western reaches of southern Itasca County throughout the month with a slight reduction in area observed with the update on the 26th. Overall, precipitation for the month was around 1 to 2 inches above normal.

D2 Severe Drought conditions persisted across parts of Koochiching, Itasca, Cass, Crow Wing and Aitkin counties during December. Little change in the area of D2 Severe Drought was observed through the month with only a slight reduction in area during the middle of the month. Precipitation for the month ended up near to above normal over most of the area thanks to a warm storm that moved through the region during the Christmas holiday period bringing rainfall to most areas. The rainfall was not enough, however, to make much of a difference in the overall dry conditions.