Minnesota in drought for third consecutive year despite wet Spring

(Minneapolis, MN) -- The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that parts of Minnesota are experiencing drought conditions for the third consecutive year.

Officials say the flash drought is confined to St. Cloud and the area south, with the Twin Cities hit hardest. Climatologist Pete Boulay says the area jumped from abnormally dry to severe drought in two weeks and remains there. Conditions are persisting despite a wet spring.

Boulay says the dryness could leave crops with shallow roots.