Drought — Southern Lake, Minnesota

2021-08-01 to 2021-08-31 · Southern Lake, Minnesota

Event narrative

The month began with D2 Severe Drought across most of the area along with an area of D1 Moderate Drought in the Two Harbors area. The dry pattern persisted through the month and D2 Severe Drought spread across the remainder of the area by August 17th and then D3 Extreme Drought by August 24th.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 978952. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.