More than 75% of Minn. seeing dry conditions, part of metro now in extreme drought

As October progresses, dry conditions persist across the state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor released its latest report Thursday, showing drought conditions have worsened since last week’s report.

According to Thursday’s report, parts of the western Twin Cities metro area, as well as areas to the south and west, are now listed as having extreme drought conditions.

Although cooler and windier conditions are expected for the rest of the work week, no precipitation is expected. CLICK HERE for the latest forecast from 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

The latest report shows 3.71% of the state’s land is experiencing extreme drought conditions, while last week, none of the state had such arid conditions. A year ago, the U.S. Drought Monitor says 17.58% of the state was in extreme drought conditions.

Extreme drought conditions are reported in parts, or all, of Dakota, Ramsey, Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Wright, McLeod, Sibley, Nicollet, Redwood, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone and Lincoln counties.

Meanwhile, another 11.33% is experiencing severe drought conditions, while nearly 35% of the state has moderate drought conditions. More than three-quarters of the state has abnormally dry conditions as of Thursday’s report.

In Wisconsin, the far western portions of the state are seeing drier conditions than those in the south and east. While no counties are listed as having extreme drought conditions, multiple counties—including Buffalo, Pepin, Dunn, Pierce, and St. Croix—have severe drought conditions.

A total of 3.75% of Wisconsin is seeing severe drought conditions, while a total of 53.45% of the state is seeing abnormally dry or worse conditions.