Despite recent rain, Minnesota remains in spring drought
Minnesota saw some much-needed rain this week, but not over the ongoing fires in the Northland. Experts say the outlook for summer could spell even more trouble.
Watch CBS News
Minnesota saw some much-needed rain this week, but not over the ongoing fires in the Northland. Experts say the outlook for summer could spell even more trouble.
Even with the recent rains, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions continue to cover 80% of Minnesota.
This week's rain has given some respite from ongoing drought conditions. But as of May 15, a quarter of Minnesota is still in a moderate drought.
A grass fire happened Thursday in Corcoran, northwest of the Twin Cities — and it might not be the last one the state sees in the immediate future. Frankie McLister as a closer look at the fire threat we’re facing.
Krueger is the third-generation owner of Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm. While he finds joy in knowing the evergreens will make a family happy, they might not realize the effort it took to reach these towering heights.
It's the time of year when families pick out the perfect Christmas tree for their home. Just like the last three years, a troubling weather trend for farmers joins that tradition. So how does drought impact Christmas tree growth? Good Question. WCCO's Jeff Wagner explains what to expect when tree shopping this season.
Wednesday marked 34 straight days without measurable rainfall, a dry streak that has Minnesota farmers worried about what's to come.
Experts are saying the dry air and whipping winds across the state is making for a disastrous recipe if a fire were to spread.
The latest drought continues to worsen as our impressive stretch without rain goes on.
Nearly 20% of Minnesota is facing severe drought conditions due to the jet stream and climate change, according to the National Weather Service.
Nearly 20% of Minnesota is facing severe drought conditions due to the jet stream and climate change, according to the National Weather Service.
Dry weather and heat are creating a safety hazard for Minnesota farmers. With harvest season underway, the number of combines catching fire has been on the rise. John Lauritsen shows us the damage that can be done, and how farmers stay safe.
Instead of dealing with drought like last year, they dealt with more rain than many fields could handle.
If you're wondering why there's been so much high water lately, experts say there are several factors at play. NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso explains.
All the rain we've had this spring has made an impact, but getting this much water in such a short time has created issues for some farmers.
Since the end of April, Minnesota has managed to pick up at least another 2 inches of rain where it's really needed — in far southern, central and northwestern areas of the state.
Moderate to severe drought persists across most of northern Minnesota, and 18% of the state is now in a moderate drought or worse, down from 47% at the start of the year.
This week's drought update shows improvement for central and southern Minnesota as well as central Wisconsin. However, there are a few pockets where it's still abnormally dry.
The ongoing drought across most of Minnesota continues to improve slowly.
People who have experienced extreme weather are especially likely to say climate change needs to be addressed right away.
Department of Natural Resources Climatologist Pete Boulay says parts of the state are still 10 to 20 inches short of needed moisture.
Sunshine is our reward today following a few cloudy, rainy days. Our Beret Leone explains how the recent rainfall is making an impact this spring.
Following a few days of clouds and rain, experts say the moisture was much needed.
With boating season just days away for some, the Minnesota DNR is encouraging boaters to take caution as drought conditions persist throughout the state.
Despite our wet weather this week, Minnesota has been experiencing drought conditions.
The legislation, which passed in the state Senate, was also supported by healthcare professionals. It would have banned semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
Lawmakers on Sunday scrambled get the final bills passed before the end of the legislative session at midnight.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
A 72-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police he tried to kill his wife so she would not have to "deal with" living off significantly reduced Social Security benefits.
Charges say two women had been arguing over $50 when one of them fatally shot the other at a Minneapolis apartment earlier this month.
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says the crash occurred on County Road 18, 3.5 miles north of Lake Lillian, around 7:17 p.m. Saturday.
David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
Wildfires are spreading quickly in northern Minnesota and burning hundreds of acres of land among extreme fire risk conditions on Saturday.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
The legislation, which passed in the state Senate, was also supported by healthcare professionals. It would have banned semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
Lawmakers on Sunday scrambled get the final bills passed before the end of the legislative session at midnight.
Lawmakers are scrambling to get the final bills passed before the clock strikes midnight, marking the end of the legislative session.
Hundreds of people, from families of Annunciation victims to Moms Demand Action, called on the House of Representatives to vote on a sweeping gun reform bill that already passed the Senate.
A bill meant to protect children on social media is heading to Gov. Tim Walz's desk after passing both the Minnesota House and Senate.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
A 72-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police he tried to kill his wife so she would not have to "deal with" living off significantly reduced Social Security benefits.
Charges say two women had been arguing over $50 when one of them fatally shot the other at a Minneapolis apartment earlier this month.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
Monday will mark five years since the tragic killing of 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis
Police in Rochester, Minnesota, are investigating a shooting near Essex Park, according to a post on social media.
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
Twin Cities emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians made an emotional plea Tuesday for lawmakers to do something about Minnesota's gun laws.
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
The Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking homer and Kody Clemens had two doubles and two RBIs as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Luca Langoni scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half and the New England Revolution held on for a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United to close out a four-match homestand.
Jackson Chourio hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning and made a run-saving catch in the seventh, Logan Henderson struck out seven in five innings and the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Dana Ohman, an attorney who handles HOA disputes, about some of the most common questions homeowners have.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A severe line of storms is pushing through southern Minnesota, with a tornado watch in place until 1 a.m.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest forecast.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest information on potentially severe weather in Minnesota on Sunday and Monday.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso is tracking severe weather expected this afternoon.
A severe line of storms is pushing through southern Minnesota, with a tornado watch in place until 1 a.m.
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
Lawmakers are scrambling to get the final bills passed before the clock strikes midnight, marking the end of the legislative session.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest forecast.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state. Our Jason Rantala went up north to see the fight against the growing flames.