GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — This week's drought monitor takes into account the updated weather and rainfall from Aug. 25 to 31, 2021.
During that week's timespan, much of central and southern Minnesota recorded significant rainfall of more than 3 inches for many, and more than 6 inches for some in Dodge, Mower and Fillmore counties.
Where we didn't see as much rain was in parts of northern, and especially, northwestern Minnesota counties.
This week's drought monitor, issued today reflects that. There's a lot less in the red (extreme) category of drought and that's good news!
The coverage area of extreme drought across the state decreased from nearly 50% to 31%. Central and southern Minnesota's extreme drought was completely downgraded.
There was also a small decrease in the exceptional drought category of a little more than 1%
The area of no drought in southeastern counties expanded. More good news.
A side by side comparison of last week's drought monitor to the one issued today is a great visual of the progress we've made with the recent heavy rainfall.
