ST PAUL, Minn. — It's been the driest 31-day stretch in Minnesota since 1871, according to assistant state climatologist Peter Boulay.
"We've only seen twenty-sixths hundredths of an inch of precipitation and that beats 1988 which had .62," said Boulay.
The dryness has left much of the state under moderate drought, with portions south of Mille Lacs in severe drought, according to Boulay.
"So it's affecting mainly streams, you know of course people's lawns are turning dry, things like that," said Boulay.
But what's even more concerning for Boulay are the state's watersheds.
At least 6 are now under watch, including the Mississippi Headwaters, Western Superior, Croix, Rainy River, Upper Mississippi-Black-Root, and Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum.
"They were above flood stage just at the end of April, there's some streams in Pine County also around the Duluth area that are quite low for this time of year," said Boulay.
Experts say smoky skies from the Canadian wildfires aren't helping.
"As long as the wind blows from the north, that's not where we're getting our moisture, we need moisture from the Gulf," said Boulay.
The weekend forecast calls for much-needed rain.
"There will be some isolated downpours, the rain this weekend will be beneficial nonetheless but it doesn't look like it's going to be enough to get us out of our drought situation," said KARE 11 Meteorologist Jamie Kagol.
"The good news is some of the most intensive farming areas across southern Minnesota have seen some rain, but I think most people at this point would like to see rain return," said Boulay.
The DNR is asking people to be strategic with their water use and make changes like watering their gardens in the mornings instead of during peak evaporation times.
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