BISMARCK — It's official. Goodbye and good riddance to miserably dry conditions that have prevailed throughout the state for many months, particularly in the Minot region.
The National Weather Service in Bismarck issued a Drought Briefing this week, saying it is their final issuance until Severe Drought conditions return to the state. A year ago, 77% of North Dakota was deemed to be in Extreme or Exceptional drought, the highest ratings by the U.S. Drought Monitor. That percentage has now dropped to zero.
According to the NWS briefing, only a “small area of Moderate drought remains along the Montana border.” That’s good news for farmers and ranchers who already knew moisture conditions were greatly improved due to spring snowfall and rain.
At the North Central Research and Experiment Center, an official data recording location on Minot’s southern edge used by the NWS, April precipitation was 5.68 inches. That compares to the long-term norm of 1.22 inches.
Precipitation in May also exceeded the long-term norm for the period, 3.07 inches vs. 2.78. In all, it was enough moisture to remedy drought conditions heading into the growing season for crops and pastures, and replenish low water in many potholes, rivers, streams, and lakes.
