The last week of August came with widespread rain accumulations that brought improvement to the existing drought to Iowa, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota, but conditions remained the same for much of the Northland. 

Thursday's U.S. Drought Monitor update says extreme drought conditions persist across the majority of northern Minnesota affecting more than 37% of the state.

Extreme drought is the second-worst of the four drought categories. An area of exceptional drought, which is the worst level of drought, continues to stretch from northeastern Koochiching County across the Red Lake area of Beltrami County and into the Red River Valley.

"According to the NOAA NCEI’s climatological rankings, the Upper Midwest Climate Region observed its 13th driest May-July period on record. At a statewide level, Minnesota observed its 2nd driest July and May-July on record," the weekly report said.

The weekly report is released each Thursday, based on data from two days earlier.

Moderate drought conditions continue to impact 19% of Wisconsin. This includes much of Burnett and Douglas counties and the northern parts of Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties.

To see the original post and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/weather/drought-monitor-updated-september-2nd/6224775/