Dry July through September 2005 in Northeastern Minnesota

Rainfall totals were well below historical averages across much of northeastern and north central Minnesota in late-summer and early-autumn 2005. Dry July and August conditions experienced throughout Minnesota persisted into September in these areas. The precipitation shortfalls led to low stream flows and increased wildfire danger in many communities.

July through September 2005 rainfall totals were less than six inches in some northeastern and north central counties (see map at right). Three-month rainfall totals deviated negatively from historical averages by more than five inches in many areas (see map at lower left). When compared with other July through September rainfall totals in the historical database, July through September 2005 rainfall totals rank below the 5th percentile many locales. (see map at lower right). For those locations depicted on the ranking map as falling below the 5th percentile, only five or fewer of one hundred years in the past recorded less July through September rain.