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 northeast and east central North Dakota on July 25th.  The dry trend started in May, but became much worse by June and July.  During the months of May through July, the Fargo airport reported 5.56 inches of rain and the Grand Forks airport reported 4.07 inches.  In contrast, the 3 month normal for rainfall in both areas ranged from 8 to 9 inches.  In Fargo between June 24th and July 24th (29 consecutive days), no measurable rain fell.  Temperatures generally were above normal for May, June, and July, but July was definitely the warmest month.  At Fargo, there were 11 days during July with high temperatures above 90 degrees and 2 days above 100 degrees.  There was also a period of 6 days in a row with high temperatures above 90 degrees (July 11-16).  The highest July temperature for Fargo occurred on the 30th, at 102 degrees, which set a new record high.  At Grand Forks, there were 10 days in July with high temperatures above 90 degrees.  The highest July temperature for Grand Forks occurred on the 16th, at 98 degrees.  100 degree temperatures are fairly rare in northeast and east central North Dakota (the last 100 degree day in Fargo was June 17, 1995), but several locations in the drought area did reach the century mark.  On July 15th, Fargo  and Leonard hit a high of 101 degrees.  On July 30th, Fargo hit 102 degrees, Galesburg hit 101 degrees, and Leonard hit 100 degrees.  Drought generally impacts agriculture, 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, but numerous grass fires were still 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 historical low for the Red River at Fargo was 63 cfs, measured back in July 1988.  Emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres opened on July 14th for the entire state.

Drought in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in STEELE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in TRAILL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WESTERN WALSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in EASTERN WALSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in PEMBINA, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-JUL-06 07:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY