Drought — Houston, Minnesota

2024-02-01 to 2024-02-29 · Houston, Minnesota

Event narrative

Less than 0.5 of total liquid precipitation fell in Houston County through February, up to 1.0 below normal, resulting in severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought persisting.

Wider weather episode

Long-standing abnormally dry conditions from April 2023 through January 2024 continued through February 2024, persisting severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought in southeast Minnesota. From initial severe drought (D2) issuance in June 2023 to the onset of February 2024, 10 to 20 of total liquid precipitation was 2 to 14 below normal. A minimal number of storms through February provided up to 0.5 of monthly rainfall, 0.5 to 1.25 below normal, and perpetuated the abnormally dry conditions. Record breaking warmth, with most days 10 to 20 degrees above normal, exacerbated dry soil concerns.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1161670. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.