Drought — Houston, Minnesota

2023-12-01 to 2023-12-31 · Houston, Minnesota

Event narrative

Severe (D2) drought persisted for parts of Houston County through December. While monthly rainfall near 1 was only slightly below normal, the long-standing abnormally dry conditions, 8 to 12 below normal since July 1st, resulted in the severe (D2) drought persisting.

Wider weather episode

Long-standing abnormally dry conditions from April 2023 through December resulted in no changes to severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought in southeast Minnesota in December. From initial severe drought (D2) issuance in July 2023 to the onset of December, 10 to 15 of total rainfall was up to 10 below normal. While monthly total rainfall of 1 in December was only slightly below normal, the long-standing abnormally dry conditions resulted in continuation of the severe (D2) to extreme (drought). Well above normal temperatures in December, about 10 degrees above normal, further perpetuated soil moisture concerns. Broadcast media reported stunted growth and financial impacts for Christmas tree farms.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153317. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.