DNR cites persistent, 'peskier' drought

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' most recent report on hydrologic conditions in the state said the drought is spreading and getting more severe.

The report said "extraordinarily" dry conditions in August and September fed the drought's growth.

Pete Boulay, who works in the DNR's climatology office, said there have been six droughts worse than this one since 1895 -- and there is no way to tell when a drought will end.

"Sometimes they end with a bang, sometimes they end with a whimper," Boulay said. "Usually, you just want them to end, period. This one has been a little bit peskier, and it's been lasting a little bit longer and continually is getting worse. But what we'd like to see is plenty of rain still yet this fall before the ground freezes, maybe above average snowfall this winter, and then more rain in the spring."

The DNR report also showed a decrease in almost all lake levels statewide.