#25. Minnesota
March 24, 2021
– Share of state experiencing drought conditions (20-year average): 30,830 sq. mi. (36.5% of land area); 1,879,107 people (35.4% of population)
— Moderate drought: 14,405 sq. mi. (17.1% of land area); 954,017 people (18.0% of population)
— Severe drought: 5,090 sq. mi. (6.0% of land area); 276,806 people (5.2% of population)
— Extreme drought: 1,801 sq. mi. (2.1% of land area); 46,470 people (0.9% of population)
— Exceptional drought: zero sq. mi.; no people
The entire state of Minnesota is abnormally dry, with more than 40% of the area facing moderate drought. Though the weather is good for construction, it’s challenging for agriculture and snow sports, and fire danger is higher.