Severe Drought Now Affects Over Half of Minnesota
Minnesota is experiencing a significant expansion of drought conditions, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report showing that 52.46% of the state is now classified under severe drought or worse. This marks an increase from 48.08% the previous week. The report, reflecting conditions as of September 1, 2026, also indicates that extreme drought, the second-most severe category, has grown to 4.57% of the state, up from 3.50%. Nearly 80% of Minnesota is in at least moderate drought, and 95.53% is abnormally dry or worse. Central Minnesota, including Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties, is particularly affected, with severe and moderate drought conditions prevalent across the region.