Extreme Drought Conditions Engulf Rochester, Southeast Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A continuing lack of rainfall in southeastern Minnesota has led to more of the region being engulfed by extreme drought conditions. 

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That’s according to Thursday’s update of the US Drought Monitor. The National Weather Service says over half of its coverage region in southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin and northeast Iowa are now in an extreme drought. 

The latest update indicates all of Olmsted and Mower Counties are experiencing an extreme drought. Most of Fillmore Dodge and Houston Counties are also dealing with extreme drought conditions. 

Over 10% of Minnesota is in an extreme drought, an increase from 1.74% last week. Along with southeast Minnesota, extremely dry conditions are being reported across a swath of countries that stretch from the Wisconsin border to Wadena County in the western part of the state. 

Less than 0.1% of Minnesota is not experiencing any dry conditions. Three months ago only 0.84% of Minnesotans lived in an area experiencing any kind of drought-like conditions. 

In Rochester the long-term forecast does not show and sure-fire relief from mother nature on the horizon. Along with what’s predicted to be nearly 100 degree highs for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, the best rain chance is forecasted for Tuesday when a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms are predicted.