Drought might be gripping much of the country, but thanks to record-setting rains in June and more heavy rains in July, much of the Brainerd area and the state have proved to be the exception,

Last week’s U.S. Drought Monitor listed abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions in the northwest, extreme west and southern areas of Minnesota. Most of Minnesota, including Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties, as well as northern Wisconsin and parts of Michigan remain drought-free, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor

From April 1 through July 9, rainfall amounts in Crow Wing County have ranged from more than 18 inches in the southern part of the county to more than 24 inches in the northeast part of the county. Aitkin County, where major flooding occurred, had more than 24 inches of rainfall, too, according to the Minnesota Climatology Working Group. The rainfall this summer in Crow Wing and Aitkin counties has average 10 to 14 inches above normal, and is considered by the working group to be one of the wettest periods in the two counties histories.