Drought in Southern Aitkin, Minnesota

The southern part of the county began the month with D2 Severe Drought across the majority of the area. Moderate to heavy rainfall during the last week of the month brought the monthly rainfall total to near to slightly above normal levels and led to the southeastern corner of the county improving to D1 Moderate Drought by the end of the month.

Rainfall remained below normal for most of northeastern Minnesota through the month of August keeping much of the region in D2 Severe Drought or higher. Rainfall deficits of 1 to 2 inches for the month were common, although areas from the Brainerd Lakes area northward to the International Falls area saw near to above normal precipitation thanks to a more active pattern at the end of the month. However, with year-to-date deficits still in excess of 3 to 6 inches, drought conditions persisted. Additionally, this was the warmest summer on record in Duluth and the lack of rainfall led to Lake Superior falling below normal levels for the first time since 2014.