Total precipitation for our station this past week and for the month of May was 0.06 inches with a YTD total of 6.77 inches. May 2026 has started drier than previous years and YTD we are now about 88% - 96% of normal and with water YTD at about 75% - 81% or normal. The weather and environmental conditions in Oak Grove this past week were characterized by a transition from mild spring temperatures to a sharp, dry cooling trend. The week began with mild, breezy conditions, but temperatures cooled significantly by the weekend with a weekly low of 27°F and a high of 71°F. The overall climate for the week was notably dry, with negligible rainfall, leading to low humidity levels throughout the region. Corn and soybean planting continued across the region, though progress was slightly tempered early in the week by moisture from previous days. Fieldwork may have slowed due to cooler temperatures in recent days. Spring blooming is underway while local naturalist programs highlight floodplain forest communities and the emergence of spring plants. This week marked the peak for Canada Plum, noted for its fragrant white flowers that fade to pink. In the wetter lowlands and ditches of Oak Grove, Marsh Marigolds are currently in full bright-yellow bloom. Migratory activity is high, with Warbler and Woodland Bird hikes occurring in nearby regional parks. Deciduous trees are in various stages of bud burst. While Maples and Aspens have begun showing leaf color and catkins, the Oaks are primarily in the budding stage, contributing to the high pollen counts. In local conservation areas, the American Pasqueflower is beginning to fade as Prairie Smoke and Wild Columbine start to emerge. The Big Four of the Minnesota tallgrass prairie - Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass - are just beginning their initial spring green-up but are probably a week or so behind their typical height and development due to drier conditions. Currently, they appear as small, emerging clumps of green hidden beneath the dormant, tan-colored thatch of last year's growth. Species such as Prairie Junegrass and Canada Wild Rye are significantly further along. Birders have reported the arrival of various Warblers (notably Yellow-rumped and Palm) and Baltimore Orioles. Resident Bald Eagles are currently tending to young eaglets, which have been spotted peeping over the edges of nests in the Rum River corridor. We saw our first oriole this week with hummingbirds beginning to appear in increasing numbers. Black bears are now fully active and seeking high-calorie food sources after emergence, but we have not yet seen them in our immediate area. White-tailed deer fawns are expected to begin appearing in the coming weeks, so does are currently very secretive. Local wildlife programs recently focused on "Camouflaged Animals" and the seasonal changes in the Rice Creek and Mississippi River ecosystems. Fishing activity is active, though reports indicate that water temperatures remain cooler than typical for this time of year. Residents participated in "Walk with a Naturalist" events at Manomin Park on Saturday with many spring bird walks scheduled in the coming weeks at nearby parks. No specific municipal water restrictions were reported for Oak Grove's primarily well-based system; however, regional water quality initiatives for 2026 are focusing on updated standards for PFAS and nitrogen reduction. Connexus Energy announced a donation to Anoka County Parks this week to support the Heritage Lab and Wildlife Outreach programs. A Red Flag Warning was issued for several central and northern Minnesota counties on Friday and Saturday (May 8–9) due to extreme fire risk from low humidity and strong winds. Open burning was discouraged or restricted during the Red Flag Warning periods to prevent wildfires in dry vegetation. Elevated burning restrictions are in place with agency approved permits only. Compared to the same period in 2025, which ranked in the warmest third of historical records, May 2026 has been significantly cooler and drier in Oak Grove. We are ending the week with highs near 60°F, mostly clear skies, good air quality, and winds from the north at about 5-10 mph. Tree pollen continues to be a primary concern with most active species in the area including Ash, Maple, and Birch. Oak pollen is also beginning its seasonal release but has not yet reached its peak. Grass pollen levels are currently low to moderate. While the grass season is just starting, the dry spell earlier this week has accelerated the development of early-season species. Weed pollen levels remain low, as most weed species (such as Ragweed) do not typically peak until late summer or early fall. The thirst for rain is real! It has been a bit of a dry stretch for Oak Grove, and any amount of rain will provide a much-needed drink to help keep those spring blooms from wilting.