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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 38 <br />Figure 4. Drought Classification Categories <br /> <br />Source: United States Drought Monitor <br />3.7.4 HISTORY <br />Minnesota typically experiences some degree of drought each year. Throughout the years, these <br />droughts have varied in severity and duration. Major droughts were recorded in the 1930s, peaking <br />between 1934 and 1936, in 1950s, peaking in 1956, and one of the driest winters on record, the winter <br />of 1976-1977. More recently, notable droughts were recorded in 1988, 2006-2009, and 2012-2013. One <br />of the most severe droughts in recent years, the 2021 drought affected much of Minnesota. Extremely <br />low precipitation and high temperatures led to water shortages, record-low lake levels, and significant <br />impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. Relevant to this, wildfires were also a major concern, with <br />several large fires occurring in the state. <br />Figure 5 illustrates the proportion of land area within the county that has been affected by different <br />levels of drought severity since 2000, and the slight trend toward more frequent and severe drought <br />activity in recent years. Monitoring drought trends provides critical data to assess risk, enhance <br />preparedness, and make informed policy decisions.