Extremely Dry October 2022

One of the driest Octobers on record deepened the precipitation deficits across Minnesota, while extending and worsening drought conditions.

October was remarkably dry almost everywhere in Minnesota, and every long-term climate station finished the month with below-normal precipitation. The largest deficits extended from southwestern into central and eastern Minnesota, where most areas, including the Twin Cities, recorded less than a half-inch of precipitation for the month. In these areas, monthly precipitation was less than 20 percent of normal, with some areas picking up only single-digit percentages of normal precipitation.

The rest of the state did not fare much better, with totals of under one inch reported in all but far northern and northeastern Minnesota. Parts of Cook County received over two inches of precipitation, but still less than the normal for October.

The dry conditions in October followed the driest September on record in the Twin Cities, and extended the intense dry spell that has gripped southwestern through eastern Minnesota since early summer. Precipitation from June 1 through October 31 in the Twin Cities was just 7.06 inches, which is 11.52 inches below normal, or just 38% of normal. In 152 years of record, only 1910 was drier for that same period, with 6.93 inches.  

Shown below are the precipitation statistics for Minnesota's five "first-order" climate stations.

October 2022 Precipitation Statistics