Drought deepens: Twin Cities still parched after the driest September on record.
Top 10 driest September on record across the Midwest.
Somebody, please turn the faucet back on.
Drought is expanding and deepening across most of Minnesota.
The Twin Cities recorded just .24” of rain last month. That’s the driest September on record going back to the late 1800s. And most Midwest locations have recorded a top 10 driest September on record according to the Midwest Regional Climate Center.
Precipitation across most of Minnesota is less than 50% of the average in the past month. Some areas have seen less than 25% of average rainfall.
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Shrinikng rivers and lakes
Water levels on lakes and rivers have plummeted in the past few months.
Lake Minnetonka rose during heavier precipitation in April and May but has plummeted almost 2 feet since early summer.
Many rivers in southern Minnesota are approaching the top 5 historic low water levels now.
Right now I still don't see any big rainfall events on the forecast maps for the next 1 to 2 weeks. Thursday’s updated U.S. Drought Monitor report for Minnesota will likely show a more expansive and deeper drought across much of southern and western Minnesota.
If we don’t receive widespread heavy precipitation before the ground freezes in late November or early December we could have troublesome drought issues next spring.
Stay tuned.