Extension > Extreme Weather > Drought and fire
Drought and fire
Dry conditions are a concern for gardeners and farmers. Extension Climatologist Mark Seeley provided this update in mid-March, 2012:
The drought threat posed by inadequate stored soil moisture across southern and western Minnesota is the most serious in over a decade, perhaps for some counties since 1987.
Many areas are so deficient in stored soil moisture they will need 150 to 200 percent of normal rainfall (4.00 to 7.00 inches) during late March and April to make up the difference. February's wetness was a good start.
Climate outlooks currently favor a wetter than normal end of March, but are uncertain for the April-June period. Historical climate patterns show about a 1 in 5 probability that late March-April precipitation would exceed 5.5 inches in southern and western counties.
Contingency planning for dealing with drought during 2012 is an exercise in judgment, but probably wise to do this year.
Extension phone lines
Farm Information Line
1-800-232-9077, fil@umn.edu
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Agriculture and horticulture questions; voicemail afterhours
1-800-854-1678 (MN area codes only)
Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Household issues: cleaning and cooking safely
Extension resources
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Farm
Take precautions with beef, dairy, and swine livestock, as well as forages, feed, and crops.
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Climatology
Forecasts, climate trends, and what they mean.
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Horticulture
Help maintain and renovate your yard and garden through dry weather.
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Fire safety
Extension recommends information on statewide dangers and prevention resources for homeowners.
Other recommended resources for drought
Extension | Minnesota | National
Extension
- Drought Information — North Dakota State University — Resources include home, family, farm and ranch, and general drought information.
- Drought Hazards and Threats — Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) — A collaborative multi-state effort by Extension Services across the country to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters.
Minnesota
- Lake Level Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Get information for specific lakes with the Lake Finder.
- Severe Weather Awareness — Minnesota Department of Public Safety: Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management — Subscribe to email announcements and updates.
- Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery — Minnesota Department of Health — Individual and family preparedness, emergency communications, legal issues and more.
National
- DisasterAssistance.gov — Collaboration of U.S. Government agencies — Use this questionnaire to determine if you qualify for assistance. Additional information on how to get help from the U.S. Government before, during and after a disaster.
- United States Drought Monitor — National Weather Service — Weekly drought assessment map.
