Severe drought grips Twin Cities and most of Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says severe drought now affects 45% of the state and leaves over 88% in drought, including the Twin Cities, the agency said Thursday.[1]
Portions of northwestern Minnesota and north-central Wisconsin are now listed in extreme drought, the first extreme designation in Minnesota in three years.[1] North-central Minnesota has a four-year precipitation deficit of roughly 12-16 inches, leaving lakes, soil and groundwater storage depleted.[1]
For the Twin Cities and much of central and northern Minnesota, about 15 inches of rain over the next three months—roughly double normal—would be needed to exit drought status.[1] Under Minnesota's drought response system, public water suppliers in affected watersheds can be required to impose conservation measures to cut water use.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota DNR says 45% of the state is in severe drought and more than 88% is experiencing some level of drought as of August 20, 2026.
- Portions of northwestern Minnesota and north‑central Wisconsin are now in extreme drought, the first such designation in Minnesota in three years.
- North‑central Minnesota has a four‑year precipitation deficit of roughly 12–16 inches, leading to depleted lake, soil and groundwater “storage.”
- For the Twin Cities and much of central/northern Minnesota, about 15 inches of total rain over the next three months—roughly double normal—would be needed to exit drought status.
- Under the state drought response system, public water suppliers in affected watersheds can be required to impose conservation measures to cut water use.
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