Extreme Drought Expands in Southeast Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The storm system that dropped an inch or more of rain on the Rochester area last week had very little impact on the ongoing drought.

In fact, the updated US Drought Monitor Report shows nearly all of Olmsted County is still experiencing extreme drought conditions and those extreme drought conditions have now expanded to cover the southern half of Dodge County, most of the north half of Mower County, and northwestern Fillmore County. Statewide, the areas experiencing extreme drought conditions nearly doubled since last week's Drought Monitor update to about 2.9% of Minnesota.

The land area experiencing severe drought conditions grew from nearly 30% to more than 33.5% of the state over the past week, while the percentage of the state with moderate drought conditions was nearly steady at around 80%. In the Rochester area, June and July are now rated as the eighth driest on record with the rainfall deficit for the two-month period now at more than 6 inches below normal.

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting a good chance of rain this weekend with thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rains considered likely by Saturday night. The forecast indicates there is the potential for 1 to 2 inches of rain in the Rochester area.