"Without data, you are just another person with an opinion," said engineer and quality control guru W. Edwards Deming. When does a fluke become a trend? How much data is enough to discern the difference?
According to the Minnesota DNR, the storm complex that dumped more than 8 inches of rain on Mankato qualifies as a "mega-rain," the first since 2016. It estimates more than 1,000 square miles of land picked up 6 inches or more of rain.
By the DNR's calculations, there have been 21 of these extreme flood events since Minnesota became a state in 1858; 14 of the 21 mega-rains have been observed since 1983. A warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, increasing the potential for downpours and biblical-worthy floods.
No weather drama this week as Canadian air trickles south of the border. Highs will reach the low 80s with dew points dipping into the 50s, meaning half as much water in the air as we enjoyed last weekend.
A dry sky prevails into Saturday — the next chance of a late-day thunderstorm. No more 90s anytime soon.
