Much Needed Precipitation On The Way

Parts of Minnesota have been abnormally dry for nearly a year, but there is at least some temporary relief on the way in the form of much needed rain tonight through the day on Wednesday.

Rainfall amounts will range from 3/4” to 1 & 1/4” with some areas of the state receiving up to 2”. Most of the precipitation will come as rain but isolated pockets of snow cannot be entirely ruled out.

The precipitation comes at a critical time according to climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld who says “well-timed precipitating weather systems 1 to 2 times a week, each one dropping a half-inch to an inch” are needed “right now through the beginning of the growing season.”

And even more rain is needed beyond that point.

“If we don’t get at least 1” of precipitation per week by mid-May, we’re in trouble,” says Blumenfeld.

This is also the time of the year that the National Weather Service and the Minnesota State Climatology Office actively recruit citizen volunteers to report precipitation using a 4” rain gauge. The data from the CoCoRaHS program helps weather and climate experts better understand patterns of precipitation.

Blumenfeld and co-host Jim du Bois discuss the severe weather of March 10th, signs that we could have a more active severe weather season based upon data on La Nina conditions and the complexities of seasonal forecasting.