![Dry Conditions Ease in South-Central, Eastern Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/10/dry-630x420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Dry Conditions Ease in South-Central, Eastern Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - This week's update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows more improvement in parts of south-central and eastern Minnesota, where areas that had been abnormally dry are now rated normal.
Drought conditions have been easing across Minnesota thanks to the spring thaw and recent precipitation. The data released Thursday show that the portion of the state rated as abnormally dry or worse has improved in the past week from 91 percent to 85 percent, while the portion rated normal has improved from 9 percent to 15 percent.
About 45 percent of the state, however, is still in a moderate to severe drought, just a slight improvement from last week.
The biggest improvements were in Washington, Scott, Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice, Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn and Mower counties.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Next Steps If Drought Worsens in St. Cloud](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/08/96234550.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Love Sunflowers? Expect To See Blooms Soon But Smaller Plants In Central MN](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2021/07/attachment-RS40425_GettyImages-1171044297-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Could See Another Drought This Summer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/06/GettyImages-1000632506.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Has Recovered Well From Last Summer’s Drought](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/08/attachment-Mississippi-River-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Not Completely Recovered from the Summer Drought](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/08/attachment-Mississppi-River-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Pumpkins are in Season Despite Drought](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/09/attachment-CCO01281.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Drought Is Going to Force Duck Hunting Adjustments](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2015/07/DUCKS.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![[OPINION] How the Drought Could Affect the Fall Colors in Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2021/08/attachment-Photo-Sep-24-5-38-14-PM.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Horticulture Expert: Ongoing Drought is Stressing Our Trees](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/08/attachment-Stressed-Tree.jpg?w=980&q=75)