U.S. Drought Monitor
Nov. 17, 2009 (released Nov. 19)

Minnesota's present drought conditions are the result of two spells of dry weather.

2009 growing season dry spell:
2009 growing season precipitation totals were well short of historical averages across much of Minnesota. Although October rains improved the situation greatly in many locales, some Minnesota counties continue to be categorized as Abnormally Dry (map at right). In the drier areas of north central Minnesota, precipitation totals were roughly 75% of normal for the growing season, falling short of average by four or more inches (maps below).

2008-2009 long-term dry spell:
In east central Minnesota, a long-term episode of dryness began in mid-June of 2008 and continued into Autumn 2009. Long-term precipitation deficits in this area range from eight to twelve inches (map at bottom of page). Affected counties are categorized as experiencing Moderate drought by the >U.S. Drought Monitor(map at right).

• Drought Information Resources
• Hydrologic Conditions Reports