ST PAUL, Minn. — The latest report from the National Drought Mitigation Center has been released, and for the first time this year, more than half the state is experiencing severe drought conditions or worse.
The report shows 54.7% of the state in a severe drought, with 16.1% experiencing extreme drought conditions. It's also the first time this year exceptional drought conditions are being reported in portions of Minnesota. The counties with some of the worst drought conditions include parts of Aitkin County, Carlton County, Freeborn County, Mower County and Pine County.
This is just the second time since the drought monitor program began in 1999 that Minnesota has experienced "exceptional" drought conditions. The other time was August 2021.
On Wednesday, St. Paul residents were given new lawn and garden watering guidelines in an effort to conserve water as the dry conditions persist.
"We do not anticipate any service issues," said SPRWS General Manager Patrick Shea in the news release Wednesday. "These conservation measures will help ensure we are using resources responsibly as Mississippi River flow levels continue to drop during drought conditions."
Farmers have also been feeling the effects of the dry conditions. Gov. Tim Walz spoke at an event in early July about the struggles dairy farmers were facing, partly to do with the dry weather. Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Peterson also said earlier this summer that the drought had increased the costs of hay nationally.
At this time last year, about 68% of the state was experiencing abnormally dry conditions, but there were no reports of any severe drought conditions.
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