Parts of Stearns County No Longer in Drought

(KNSI) – The drought has lessened considerably in the western end of Stearns County.

Belgrade and Brooten saw several inches of rain last week, and that area, about 8% of the county as a whole, has been upgraded to abnormally dry. It came with a price, though, as hail and high winds did do some damage.

Abnormally dry conditions are considered a precursor to drought. Only about 20% of Minnesota falls into the category.

Albany, Paynesville, and Sauk Centre are still in moderate drought. The eastern half is in severe drought except around the St. Cloud area, which is being hit by extreme drought.

The patch of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties in extreme drought is one of just three in the state. Only the stretch from Rochester to Steele County affects more people.

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