The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released Thursday, shows drought conditions remain a concern across much of Minnesota, while Iowa experienced modest improvement during the past week.
In Minnesota, just under 23% of the state is free from drought or abnormal dryness. More than 77% of Minnesota is experiencing some level of dryness or drought, including 36% classified as abnormally dry, 27% in moderate drought, and nearly 14% in severe drought. A small portion of southwestern Minnesota remains in extreme drought.
The most significant drought conditions are centered across portions of central Minnesota, where severe drought conditions continues to affect agricultural areas and water resources. Moderate drought also extends across parts of western and southern Minnesota.
Compared to three months ago, drought conditions have intensified in Minnesota. Severe drought has expanded from about 2.5% of the state in late March to nearly 14% today.
Meanwhile, drought conditions improved slightly across Iowa. Nearly 67% of the state is now free from drought or abnormal dryness, up from 61% a week ago. About 33% of Iowa remains classified as abnormally dry or in drought, down from nearly 39% the previous week.
Moderate drought remains concentrated in portions of northern Iowa, while abnormally dry conditions continue across parts of western and north central Iowa. No areas of severe, extreme or exceptional drought are currently reported in the state.
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