Drought still impacting rivers and streams

Rain may be in the forecast but drought conditions persist across North Dakota and Minnesota.

The latest drought monitor released today (Thursday) show conditions in North Dakota range from Severe to Exceptional Drought across the state.  In fact nearly 74% of the state is in Extreme Drought.  Grand Forks County is in the Extreme Drought status.   Northern sections of Minnesota are also in the Extreme and Exceptional Drought.

The lack of precipitation is impacting rivers and streams with some smaller channels drying up exposing rocks and riverbeds.  The Red River in Grand Forks has slipped below 15 feet.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has imposed water restrictions for much of the state.

Forecast probabilities strongly lean towards below normal precipitation in much of the West and northern Great Plains through the end of the month.

PIC:  English Coulee in Grand Forks