Minnesota is experiencing worsening drought conditions, with some areas now facing exceptional drought levels for the first time since 2021. These exceptional drought conditions have emerged in portions of Freeborn and Mower counties in southeastern Minnesota, as well as in parts of Aitkin, Carlton, and Pine counties in east-central Minnesota.
The latest assessment from the US Drought Monitor reveals that more than half of the state is now classified as being in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, while the remainder is in moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions.
Minnesota's Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum and Upper Mississippi-Iowa-Skunk-Wapsipinicon watersheds have entered the Drought Restrictive Phase, requiring significant water conservation measures by public water suppliers to reduce consumption, marking the first time such a situation has occurred since 2021.
Over the past seven weeks, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has suspended 107 surface water appropriation permits for nondomestic use across the state due to the escalating drought conditions.
The current drought monitor map paints the following picture of Minnesota's drought situation
• 15% of Minnesota is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
• 30% of the state is in moderate drought.
• 39% of Minnesota is in severe drought.
• 15% of the state is in extreme drought.
• 1% of Minnesota is in exceptional drought.
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen emphasized the importance of Minnesotans reducing water usage, stating that the DNR is monitoring surface water and aquifer levels and will take further actions if needed.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is actively
• Monitoring surface waters for potential suspension of appropriation permits for nondomestic uses.
• Notifying permittees about suspended water appropriation permits.
• Informing water suppliers in watersheds reaching the Drought Restrictive Phase about water conservation requirements.
• Re-convening the State Drought Task Force to address the deepening drought conditions.
• Continuously monitoring precipitation and water levels.
State Climatologist Luigi Romolo warned that substantial precipitation is not expected in the near future, making water conservation imperative. Drought conditions typically lead to increased irrigation for crops and lawns, straining water resources. Drought levels range from moderate (D1) with dry soil conditions to exceptional (D4) with severe impacts on agriculture, including early harvests and increased wildfire risks.
Minnesotans are encouraged to evaluate their water usage, identify reduction methods, and commit to water conservation practices, not just during droughts but also as an ongoing commitment.
The Minnesota DNR website offers updates on Minnesota's drought conditions, and users can sign up for drought-related notifications and information.
Photo Credit: science-photo-library-igor-stevanovic
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Weather