Report: 72% of Minnesota is experiencing severe drought

ST. PAUL, MN (AP) — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 72% of Minnesota is currently experiencing severe drought.

That’s up from last week, when 52% of the state was considered to be in severe drought.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports the news is startling, since 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% last week to almost 19% this week.

The news means that more watering restrictions are likely.

Currently Moorhead, Dilworth and Barnesville have set some restrictions on water use.