Soil moisture status improving in October

Posted at 11:09 AM on October 10, 2008 by Mark Seeley

As Craig Edwards already highlighted earlier this week in this blog, ample rains have come to portions of Minnesota during the first ten days of October. Some locations like Milan (2.82"), Ottertail (2.89"), and Wadena (2.99") have already exceeded the normal October rainfall total.

October 7 and 8 brought record-setting daily rainfall amounts to many observers. The following were new daily records for October 7th: Rochester Airport 1.62", Wadena 2.18", Willmar 1.50", Madison 2.00", Milan 1.70", Worthington 1.47", Vesta 1.54", and Cass Lake 1.47". In addition new record daily amounts were reported on October 8th for Grand Meadow with 1.71" and Theilman with 1.85".

Given the wet pattern expected through the weekend and Columbus Day (Monday, October 13), and the prospect for more thunderstorm generated rainfall, I would not be surprised to see some additional daily record rainfall amounts occur over the next few days. This will benefit agriculture by replenishing the soil moisture reserves before winter sets in. Most of Minnesota's soils could use a good drink of water before they freeze up for the winter.

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