Drought — Southern Aitkin, Minnesota

2020-07-07 to 2020-07-21 · Southern Aitkin, Minnesota

Event narrative

Drought conditions worsened at the beginning of July as rainfall deficits for the year approached 6 to 8 inches. A few rainfall events during the middle of the month resulted in total rainfall for the month in the 1 to 3 inch range, which was still below normal. However, it was enough to lift the area out of the Severe Drought category (D2), especially with the rainfall received on July 18 and 21, when around 1 to 2 inches fell total.

Wider weather episode

Portions of northern Minnesota have seen rainfall deficits in excess of 5 inches for the year and by July areas of Severe Drought (D2) were observed across parts of the area. A wet middle part of July led to improving conditions that brought all areas into the Moderate Drought (D1) category by the end of the month, however, rainfall deficits persist and further dry conditions may reverse the improving trend.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 898635. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.