Southeast Minnesota Now In Moderate Drought
The National Weather Service updated their drought conditions today, and have classified some of Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa as in a Moderate Drought, while much of Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa is abnormally dry.
Almost all of Houston County is classified as D1 (Moderate Drought). The National Weather Service warns of " Some damage to crops, pastures; fire risk high; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested."
While much of Southeast Minnesota including all of Fillmore County, a majority of Winona and Mower counties and parts of Olmsted County is classified as D0 (Abnormally Dry) where the National Weather Service warns of "Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk above average. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered."
This drought is due to the obvious lack of rain fall south of I-90. Approximately 3 to 6 inches of rain has fallen since August 1st. The next update is set to take place on September 28th.