U.S. Drought Monitor
Nov. 3, 2009 (released Nov. 5)

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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 or undergoing Moderate to Severe drought (map at right). In the drier areas of north central Minnesota, precipitation totals have been roughly 75% of normal since April 1, 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).

Weekly precipitation totals through Monday morning, November 2 (map at right) exceeded one inch in many Minnesota counties. The heaviest precipitation fell along a band that extended from west central Minnesota into north central Minnesota. October rainfall totals were in excess of five inches in many locales in the southern two-thirds of the state, topping the historical October average by more than three inches. In some communities, it was the wettest October in the modern record.

Temperatures last week were above normal for the first time since late September. October 2009 will be remembered as one of the coldest Octobers on record.

• Agriculture - The Agricultural Statistics Service reports that topsoil moisture is "Short" across only three percent of Minnesota's landscape as of November 1. This represents a 37 percent improvement from late September.
• Stream flow - Stream discharge values for only a few Minnesota measurement sites rank below the 25th percentile in the historical data distribution for the date. Some of the lowest flows, relative to historical data, are observed along the upper reaches of the Mississippi River and in northeastern Minnesota.
• Lake and Wetland Levels - Water levels on some Minnesota lakes are very low, especially in east central counties. The White Bear Lake Conservation District reports that White Bear Lake is near its all-time recorded low level. According to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, discharge at Lake Minnetonka's Grays Bay Dam, the outlet to Minnehaha Creek, remains suspended per operating procedures. The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District indicates that Prior Lake water levels are the lowest since the early 1990s. For significant rises to occur in the larger water bodies, above-normal precipitation is needed throughout the winter and into 2010.
• Wildfire Danger - The Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry classifies wildfire danger as Low throughout Minnesota.

• Drought Information Resources
• Hydrologic Conditions Reports