Photo: reza shayestehpour on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 3, 2024


Northeast Minnesota saw a reduction in drought and fire risk thanks to another week of periodic rain. The latest US Drought Monitor Report was released on May 2, and shows most of Cook County is experiencing "abnormally dry" conditions, while a small portion of the North Shore is no longer experiencing any drought. Last week's report showed most of Cook County as experiencing "moderate" drought conditions, with a small portion of the North Shore experiencing "abnormally dry" conditions. 

Image: Current levels from US Drought Monitor.

 Image: Last week's drought map from the US Drought Monitor.

The recent precipitation has also improved the fire danger, with all of Cook County under a "low" risk of fires as of May 3. 

 Image: MN DNR.

 Image: Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

The lack of snow this winter had some wondering how that would affect Lake Superior's water levels this spring. The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory shows that while water levels are lower than what was recorded in 2023, they are trending around average for this time of year. 

 Image: Rain totals for the past seven days in Cook County. National Weather Service/NOAA.