Twin Cities move into moderate drought as 95% of Minnesota dries
More than 95% of Minnesota is now in some level of drought, and the Twin Cities metro has moved into moderate drought, state drought monitors reported Thursday, July 30, 2026.[1]
The statewide drought area jumped from about 87% the prior week to over 95% this week.[1] Nearly all of northern Minnesota is in severe drought, a condition that has helped fuel wildfires in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest.[1] More than three quarters of the state now faces at least moderate drought, raising risks for crops, municipal water strain and lawn deterioration in the metro.[1]
Last week about 87% of the state was in drought, and the Twin Cities had been classified as merely "dry" before the upgrade to moderate drought.[1] Meteorologists warn residents to expect browning lawns, early fall color in some trees, cracking soils and lower crop yields if dry conditions persist.[1]
Officials said watering restrictions could be considered across the metro if the pattern continues.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Over 95% of Minnesota is in some level of drought as of July 30, 2026, up from about 87% the prior week.
- The Twin Cities metro has shifted from generally "dry" to moderate drought over the last week.
- Nearly all of northern Minnesota is in severe drought, contributing to Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest wildfires.
- More than 75% of the state is experiencing at least moderate drought conditions.
- Meteorologists expect browning lawns, early tree color change, cracking soils, falling crop yields and possible watering restrictions across the metro.
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