72% of Minnesota in Severe Drought

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 72% of Minnesota is currently experiencing severe drought — a big jump from a week earlier, when 52% of the state was considered to be in severe drought.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports the news is startling because at the start of June, less than 1% of the state had severe drought areas.

The drought monitor shows the more intense “extreme” drought category has expanded from 4% of the state last week to almost 19% this week. The news means that more watering restrictions are likely, and there could be an elevated fire danger. Farmers could also see increased problems with crops and feeding livestock.