Extreme drought areas in Minnesota cover 35% of state

Tommy Wiita
[MGN Images]

A drought continues to dry up the state of Minnesota, with 35% of the state in "extreme drought" conditions as of Thursday, according to the Minnesota Agriculture Department.

In the latest Drought Center map released on Thursday, the area of "extreme drought" has expanded from the northern part of the state to north central, central and southern Minnesota.

The National Weather Service adds that since June 1, the rainfall totals for the state have been 4 to 8 inches below normal.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued watering restrictions in response to the ongoing drought.

Gov. Tim Walz has also supported farmers during this dry period. He signed an executive order this past week to waive trucking regulations to support state livestock producers who are facing a significant decrease in the availability of hay and other forage. Walz has also visited farmers around the state to see conditions in person.