Data Credit: National Drought Mitigation Center (Graphic size cut, dates modified to reflect new data)
(GARY, Minn.) – Norman County and much of Minnesota are in a moderate to severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor information released for October 13 and 20.
Statistics show that approximately 36% of the state is in a moderate drought, including Norman and Mahnomen counties. Severe drought spans 25 percent of Minnesota, and 3 percent is classified as experiencing extreme drought.
The rest of the state is abnormally dry, with minimal changes in drought conditions. Minnesota conditions are expected to remain unchanged according to the Seasonal Drought Outlook released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Normally, winter would help to alleviate drought conditions, but NOAA anticipates a ‘super’ El Niño winter.
Table Credit: Minnesota DNR / El Niño winters in Minnesota statistics
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) describes the ‘super’ El Niño as oceanic warming that reduces westward-blowing wind speed across the equator, causing eastward shifts in equatorial and thunderstorm activity in the Pacific Ocean.
In short, many areas around the globe, including the U.S., experience substantial changes in their otherwise normal weather patterns. For Minnesota, this often includes intense winter weather that tapers off into a warm, dry period.
Photo Credit: NOOA / US seasonal temperature outlook for 2026-27 winter
The transition from a drought-affected summer to a warm, dry winter impacts farmers and ranchers statewide. With much of the state already in moderate to severe drought, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) are urging anyone who meets the requirements for a Disaster Recovery Loan to apply.
All applicants have one year from the declaration of the disaster to apply for a loan. The USDA continues to add eligible counties to the list of locations farmers can apply for drought-related disaster loans. Current counties include Clearwater, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, and Wilkin.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
Resources for farmers and ranchers affected by drought in Minnesota:
DNR Climate Journal
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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