Heading into the final weeks of the year, drought conditions are improving across the Dakotas and Minnesota. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows areas of D3 or extreme drought in northwest North Dakota and northeast Minnesota. Other areas of the Dakotas and Minnesota range from no drought, abnormally dry to severe drought. USDA Midwest Climate Hub Director Dennis Todey says drought monitor changes will slow heading into winter. “We could see some improvements if there were to be a more active winter with snow. Lots of snow would produce a lot of runoff.” A La Nina is happening in the Northern Plains this winter. “When we’re in moderate La Nina conditions, we can expect an increased chance in colder air. We’re starting to see that shift and we expect another cold outbreak as we go along. There are also chances further west for more precipitation.”
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