Recent Rains Make a Dent in Local Drought Conditions

(KNSI) — The recent soaking of rain was enough to make a dent in the drought conditions.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the readings taken August 15th and posted August 17th show that the three plus inches of rain since Thursday the 10th has lifted Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties out of the extreme to exceptional drought category.

Last week, more than half of Benton County was experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions. However, the area is still in a tough spot, as 54.51% is considered in a severe drought.

Sherburne County is also out of the worst drought categories as almost 27% of the area has been moved up into the severe drought category from extreme to exceptional drought.

While still abnormally dry, the drought conditions in Stearns County have improved significantly. Last week, 5.13% of the area was in an extreme to exceptional drought. That number is down to zero. As for the severe drought conditions, 53.65% of the county was in that category last week. This week, it’s down to 5.15%.

Statewide, the conditions also improved. Last week, 100% of Minnesota was at least abnormally dry, with 79.78% of the state in a moderate drought. This week, 99.15% of the state is at least abnormally dry, with 72.67% in a moderate drought. One-point-one percent of the state is still in extreme to exceptional drought. Last week it was 2.83%.

However, the relief may be short lived, as the Climate Prediction Center shows the area at a 40% chance of seeing below average rainfall over the next 30 days.

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