Warmer than normal temperatures and a lack of rain both contributed to a D2 drought designation (per the U.S. Drought Monitor) across portions of northwest and west central Minnesota on July 18th.  By July 25th, the designation was upgraded to a D3 (extreme drought) for Roseau, Lake of the Woods, eastern Marshall, Polk, Mahnomen, eastern Becker, Beltrami, Clearwater, Pennington, Red Lake, Hubbard, and Wadena counties.The dry trend started in May, but became much worse by June and July.  In the heart of the D3 area during the months of May through July, Argyle reported 4.31 inches of rain, Fosston reported 4.11 inches, Kelliher reported 5.45 inches, and Roseau reported 2.75 inches.  In contrast, the 3 month normal for rainfall across this area ranges from 7.5 to 12.5 inches.  Temperatures generally were above normal for May, June, and July, but July was definitely the warmest month.  At Baudette, there were 6 days during July with high temperatures above 90 degrees.  The highest July temperature for Baudette occurred on the 16th, at 96 degrees.  At Park Rapids, there were 9 days in July with high temperatures above 90 degrees.  The highest July temperature for Park Rapids occurred on the 30th, at 99 degrees.  100 degree temperatures are fairly rare in northwest and west central Minnesota, but several locations in the drought area did reach the century mark.  On July 15th, Sabin hit a high of 100 degrees.  On July 30th, Sabin hit 100 degrees again, while Ada climbed to 101.Drought generally impacts agriculture, forests, water supply and quality, and utilities.  The agricultural impact is hard to quantify dollar-wise.  However, yields for most crops were down, but also were widely variable.  Burning restrictions went into effect for both forested and grassland areas.  Despite the restrictions, numerous grass fires were reported.  Campfires and fireworks were also banned in many counties.  The major cities that border the Red River saw near record water consumption in July.  In conjunction with the hot, dry weather and near record water consumption, river flows also dropped way off.  When the Red River crested in Fargo on April 5th, 2006, the peak flow was around 19,800 cfs.  By mid July, the Red River flow in Fargo dropped as low as 330 cfs.  One modern day historical low for the Red River at Fargo was 63 cfs, measured back in July 1988.  Water restrictions were also put into place in several communities.  The hot weather also produced toxic algae blooms on many lakes.

Drought in NORMAN, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in MAHNOMEN, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in NORTH BELTRAMI, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in SOUTH BELTRAMI, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in ROSEAU, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in LAKE OF THE WOODS, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in EAST MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WEST MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WEST POLK, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in NORTH CLEARWATER, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in SOUTH CLEARWATER, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in EAST BECKER, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in EAST OTTER TAIL, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HUBBARD, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WADENA, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in EAST POLK, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in PENNINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in RED LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 18-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY