Lake water levels are low, but MN DNR climatologist says drought is “just part of the climate”

The Arrowhead region was declared in a severe drought on Oct. 10. With that designation came fire restrictions and a lot of local concern about both fire danger and the water levels in local lakes, many of which had dropped significantly since the summer.

Pete Boulay is a climatologist with the Mn Department of Natural Resources. His research includes tracking water levels in inland lakes. He told WTIP that while much of the state is experiencing a drought and elevated fire danger, the current conditions are not unexpected.

Boulay explained that a fall drought is not out of the ordinary for Minnesota. He said that 2010 through 2019 was a particularly wet decade, with fewer drought periods than is typical. Wide fluctuations in moisture levels are normal for the state, and the past few years have reflected that. He said, “We could be dealt a drought. We could be dealt a flood. You know, that’s just part of the climate.”

The heavy rains in June contributed to high water levels in a lot of lakes in the area, and Boulay said that the dry conditions later in the summer have brought those water levels back down to where they were this time last year.

Boulay said that the good news is that, based on the pattern from the past few years, the droughts is unlikely to last. He said “Historically, we come out of droughts in spectacular fashion with a lot of rain. So, you know, I guess it’s feast or famine, sometimes with the weather.”

While the rain over the weekend led the MN DNR to adjust the fire danger rating to Moderate for much of the Arrowhead, elevated burning restrictions remain in place, and there is more dry weather in the current forecast.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with MN DNR Climatologist Pete Boulay about the current drought. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski October 14, 2024