Severe drought extends into northern Wisconsin

The first week of September brought improvement to the drought in western Minnesota, little to no change in northeast Minnesota, and worsening conditions along Lake Superior’s South Shore.

Thursday’s U.S. Drought Monitor update says extreme drought conditions persist across the majority of northern Minnesota affecting nearly 37% of the state.

An area of exceptional drought, which is the worst level of drought, continues to stretch from northeastern Koochiching County across the Red Lake area of Beltrami County and into the Red River Valley. Parts of Norman County in western Minnesota moved from an exceptional to an extreme drought.

Related: Interested in see the fall colors in the Northland? The WDIO Storm Track Meteorologists are tracking the autumn change on the Fall Color Guide.

"Dry conditions during the past 90-day period led to slight expansion of areas of Severe Drought (D2) in northern Wisconsin as well as areas of Moderate Drought (D1) in Upper Peninsula Michigan," the weekly report said.

According to the Drought Monitor, historical impacts from severe drought conditions in Wisconsin include lower crop yields, sparse pasture growth, and increases in groundwater pumping.

LINK: U.S. Drought Monitor