This spring in the Northland has been interesting in terms of precipitation, with much of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, including the North Shore and Arrowhead, seeing a wetter season. Since March 1st, totals have ranged from about 4 to 6 inches, and in some spots up to 8 inches. However, it’s been much drier farther west, from Brainerd to International Falls, where only about 2 to 3 inches of precipitation have fallen since March 1st.
Two Harbors, MN
Total: 7.10″
Departure: +1.11″
Grand Marais, MN
Total: 6.71″
Departure: +2.50″
Embarrass, MN
Total: 6.25″
Departure: +1.49″
Duluth, MN
Total: 5.05″
Departure: -0.68″
International Falls, MN
Total: 2.62″
Departure: -1.52″
Brainerd, MN
Total: 2.06″
Departure: -2.15″
This spring, areas near the Stewart Trail Fire have seen more precipitation than usual, though May has been on the drier side. Meanwhile, regions around the Flanders Fire have faced an unusually dry spring overall.
Percent of normal precipitation for spring 2026 as of May 17, 2026.
Green areas: Above average
Yellow areas: Below average
It’s been a rollercoaster spring for precipitation in Duluth. The first two weeks of March were quite active, followed by a drier spell through mid to late month. April brought several rounds of precipitation, but now the pattern has swung back to very dry for the first half of May.
Rainfall this May 2026 has been fairly light so far.
Total rainfall from May 1 to May 17, 2026
International Falls
Total: 0.32″
Departure: -1.16″
Hibbing
Total: 0.14″
Departure: -1.21″
Ashland
Total: 0.12″
Departure: -1.67″
Duluth
Total: 0.07″
Departure: -1.67″
Brainerd
Total: 0.03″
Departure: -1.61″
As of May 17, 2026, the percent of normal precipitation shows pink and red areas receiving only about 5% of their usual rainfall so far this month, while lighter orange zones in far northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead are doing slightly better, though still on the dry side.
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