Fall precipitation easing yearlong drought conditions

As fall weather sets in, cooler temperatures bring widespread precipitation, providing welcome relief from yearlong drought conditions that prevailed in most of the state.

But as temperatures continue to dip below freezing, soil frost will prevent any soil recharge that had recently benefitted from rainfall, leaving some portions of northern Minnesota still in drought after winter. That’s according to retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley, who ran down the month with Cathy Wurzer in their weekly weather chat.

Plus, if you were up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday, you may have caught a glimpse of a nearly total lunar eclipse in the skies above North America.

Click on the audio player above to hear their conversation.

• 50 years and flying: The Raptor Center hosts public celebration, bird release for its anniversary
• Hurricane Helene: Minnesota transplants share how they’re weathering the storm
• ‘Kind of a big dill’: Urban Indigenous community gathers to crown pickling champs, promote food sovereignty
• Nearly one year after its passage, Minnesota immigrants embracing Driver’s License for All