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August continues 2015 wet streak

By
Troy Thone, Luverne volunteer weather recorder

After starting the first part of the year with moderately significant rainfall deficits, we finally have overcome this with the fourth-straight month in a row of above-normal rainfall. 
The August monthly total was not only slightly above normal, but well above normal with almost 5 1/2 inches of rain, nearly 2 1/2 inches above normal for the month.  
To put this into some perspective, August's rainfall surplus (the approximately 2 1/2 inches more than average) is more precipitation than was seen in all of January through April combined. 
This is not a localized event either. In reviewing the U.S. Drought Monitor, there is no presence of even a hint of drought for nearly 200 miles in any direction from Luverne.
While precipitation was in no short supply, those looking for heat waves had to travel somewhere else.
Overall averages for the month were about 2 1/2 degrees below normal.  Although the averages reflect slight to moderate below-normal temperatures, one could really sense the lack of heat normally experienced in August. 
No 90-degree temperatures were noted, and the warmest we could get to was 88 on the 14th and 15th.  Apart from that, temperatures in the 70s to low 80s were commonplace.
As we head into September, there are a couple of dates to take note of. First, autumn officially begins Wednesday, Sept. 20.  So, if you thought you missed summer, you still have a short few days to enjoy it, even though 90-degree days are probably over at this point. The other date is the average first frost date.  This occurs approximately Sept. 28 in this area. 
Keep in mind this is only an average, so frost can certainly appear earlier or later than this, and given the fact that I've already heard the words "patchy frost" in a forecast this past week, my bet is on earlier.
 
A blog of daily summary and other interesting weather events for the Luverne area is at http://luvernemnweather.blogspot.com. Thone can be reached at tathone@gmail.com.

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