Expected precipitation won't end drought

Minnesota may see some drought relief in February, March and April, according to the U.S. Climate Prediction Center.

Cool Pacific Ocean temperatures may help set up a large low-pressure area over the western or central U.S. Meteorologist Anthony Artusa said if that trough develops, it would likely steer more moist southern air into the upper Midwest through the end of April.

Artusa says the worst drought areas forecast through the end of April range from Kansas to Texas. All of Minnesota is abnormally dry right now. Extreme drought covers the southwest corner of the state, and a smaller area in the northwest. There is a chance Minnesota will see above normal precipitation in February, March and April, but not enough to end the drought.

"We think it'll bring some relief but it's very difficult to say whether this will be a drought-buster or not," Artusa said. "And in fact I would feel more comfortable in saying that you'll probably see amounts that are a little higher than normal, but I would not expect to see a major drought-buster event."

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