Since 1993, the weather pattern over the Red River Valley region has been wet.
Dry periods within this time frame have been few and generally brief. Average annual rainfall increased 15-20 percent starting in 1993.
The weather has been wetter and for a longer period than the dust bowl years were dry. Eventually this pattern will end but it is not possible to know in advance if the change will take place in another hundred years or if is starting right now.
Weather is difficult that way. Although drought is hard on our overall economy and water shortages can make life more difficult, drought is a naturally occurring part of nature. It has a way of rebooting wetlands, leaving them healthier and more productive.
A drought would lower the almost annual flood threat by lowering reservoir levels. And a drought would lower Devils Lake.
