DROUGHT PERSISTS ACROSS MUCH OF MINNESOTA

Drought conditions continue to affect large portions of Minnesota despite recent rainfall in some areas. The latest state data show more than 40 percent of Minnesota is considered abnormally dry, while about one-third of the state remains in moderate to severe drought. The worst conditions are centered in the Mississippi Headwaters region and parts of southwest Minnesota, where a small area is now classified as in extreme drought. State officials say additional rainfall will be needed in the coming weeks to improve soil moisture, stream flows, and wildfire conditions heading into the heart of summer.