Nearly one-quarter of North Dakota in moderate drought conditions.
FARGO — Nearly 25 percent of North Dakota is now in a moderate drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
"As the drought conditions are worsening in some parts, they are developing or showing early signs of drought in other parts of the state," said Akyuz, who also is a professor of climatological practice at North Dakota State University.
"That is not indicating favorable precipitation that might rescue us," Akyuz said, which could mean a deepening of drought conditions in some areas.
All of the state has had less-than-average precipitation in the last three months, with parts of central and south-central North Dakota getting 25 to 50 percent of normal precipitation — or less — during this period, the state climate office reports.
The result has been that this spring, so far, has been the 15th driest in Fargo, seventh driest in Bismarck, 10th driest in Minot and 17th driest in Jamestown.
"If average temperatures were not as cool as they have been, and if we did not follow a significantly wet six-month period," drought conditions could have been "much harsher," Akyuz said.
Helmut Schmidt Helmut Schmidt was born in Germany, but grew up in the Twin Cities area, graduating from Park High School of Cottage Grove.
He joined The Forum in October 1989, working as a copy editor until 2000.
He is currently The Forum’s K-12 education reporter.