(KNSI) – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows no change in the past week, but that is a little misleading.
The readings are taken before 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and only published on Thursday. The widespread system that passed through was only beginning to get going when measurements were wrapped up. Eventually, about two inches hit the ground locally.
We were already in good shape locally. All of Sherburne and a majority of Benton County have normal soil moisture. Roughly 40% of Stearns County is either abnormally dry or in moderate drought. The worst of it is straddling the Morrison County line. There is a distinct possibility, with more rain possible next Monday, that we will see quality planting conditions as farmers begin to get into their fields late this month.
Statewide, nearly 90% of Minnesota is at least abnormally dry. A third is in moderate drought, consisting of most of the arrowhead, Lake of the Woods, and a line from Todd to Marshall County. Severe drought is hitting about 11.5% of the state, mostly concentrated near the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Most of the state received a good soaking from the rains earlier this week.
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