According to the US Drought Monitor, most of Dakota County is currently under abnormally dry
conditions.
Under abnormally dry conditions, the fire danger increases, lake and river levels decline, and water temperatures rise, and soil moisture is low, which causes pasture and row crops to be stressed; however, the weather is good for construction projects.
Much of the state is designated as abnormally dry; however, significant sections in the north, southeast, and southwest are designated for a moderate drought, with a section in north central Minnesota in a severe drought and a small section in southwest Minnesota near the South Dakota border classified as in extreme drought.
[Click the soundbite to listen to the report.]