(KNSI) – No snowpack and little rain recently has drought flaring up again across Minnesota.
Stearns County is feeling the brunt of it. For months now, moderate drought has been confined to the northeastern portion of the county from St. Cloud to the Morrison and Benton lines. The western end became abnormally dry in an update from the U.S. Drought Monitor earlier this month. That has now escalated into the first stage of drought. Nearly 100% of Stearns County is included.
Sherburne County also saw a surge, from 37.96% to 100% in moderate drought. Benton County never lost its drought, even with the record-breaking rain in December.
Statewide, nearly 75% of Minnesota is in some stage of drought. The severe variety applies to about 12.5% and extreme is at 0.25%, affecting only the southeastern section.
Strong storms will mostly hit Iowa in the coming days. Central Minnesota has no rain in the forecast for the next week. Several days will have wind gusts of at least 30 miles per hour, keeping fire risk elevated.
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