Drought

Is the ongoing drought in Minnesota going to affect the supply or price of Christmas trees this year?

The rain in the city of St. Cloud over the past couple of days has helped but drought conditions continue to be a factor in the city. St. Cloud Public Services Director Tracy Hodel joined me on WJON. She indicates there are no current watering restrictions in the city but she encourages residents to conserve water where they can.

Hopefully, the weather pattern changes in the next few weeks to offer up some relief in the form of rain for not only our lawns, plants, and crops but our pocketbooks too.

Remember last summer when we didn't have to mow our lawns for a good portion of the summer? We could be in for another round of that this summer in Minnesota.

Much of Central Minnesota and the upper Midwest dealt with a drought last summer. St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis joined me on WJON today. He says we're "out of the woods" in regards to the drought and water shortage.

The video, consisting of aerial shots presumably shot by drone, follows the Mississippi River around Brooklyn Park, highlighting basins and channels usually filled with and hidden by water.

The ongoing drought throughout Minnesota and North and South Dakota is forcing duck hunters to adjust their plans for this fall. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON today. He says we should expect smaller broods of birds and not as many young ducks due to the dry, drought like conditions.

The extreme drought that Minnesota finds itself in is impacting more than just lawns and gardens. The severe lack of rain also has an impact on the fall colors.

Minnesota's continuing drought is affecting more than our lawns and gardens.

Meteorologist Megan Moulford joined me on WJON today. She says to alleviate the effects of the drought we would need an inch of rain for three straight weeks. She says who is hit hardest by the drought in Minnesota varies depending on the amount of rain they have received this summer.