From drought, to flooding, back to drought: Minnesota's wild weather year
Just months after portions of Minnesota dealt with the worst flood conditions in decades, the state is once again dealing with drought conditions.
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Just months after portions of Minnesota dealt with the worst flood conditions in decades, the state is once again dealing with drought conditions.
There are fresh concerns among farmers in Dakota County as Minnesota again experiences a prolonged period without rain.
There are fresh concerns among farmers in Dakota County as Minnesota again experiences a prolonged period without rain.
With additional snow melt and rain this spring, the watershed could reach a normal state by early June.
Six months after Minnehaha Falls was reduced to a dribble, the Twin Cities landmark is back flowing freely.
The war in Ukraine and a fight against domestic terrorists have worsened the nightmare in the east African nation, and the "crisis is far from over."
The DNR's Pete Boulay says without much deep frost, water's been able to get into the ground, which could be good news for your lawn.
This wet, snowy winter has been enough to finally cure the drought conditions in the Twin Cities. All that water is good news for farmers, gardeners and, of course, people who enjoy winter sports.
We have our first look at the spring flood forecast. The National Weather Service says the flood risk in Minnesota and western Wisconsin is slightly higher than normal.
Jeff Wagner explains why this warm and wet season is a solid start.
Despite recent snow, 45% of the state is still too dry. More than four million Minnesotans are living in drought conditions. Beavers are living in it too, and they don't deal with it as well as humans do.
Tree farmers say, depending on the type of tree and its height, you're likely to pay anywhere between $1 to $3 more per foot.
Even with rain in the forecast, farmers say that might not be enough to start next year on the right foot.
The latest map shows extreme drought conditions have spread since last week. It’s so bad, some parts of the state are now considered "natural disaster areas."
The all-time November high in the Twin Cities is 77 degrees. According to a log kept in the University of Minnesota’s climate library, which stores logs dating back to the late 1880s, it was on November 1, 1933.
Right now, most of Minnesota is in a “very high” fire risk. WCCO’s Allen Henry spent the day chasing the flames across the state
If you plan on getting a Christmas tree, drought and supply conditions could make things more complicated this year, similar to last.
If you plan on getting a Christmas tree, drought and supply conditions could make things more complicated. Kirsten Mitchell explains the growing pains, and what they mean for you.
The National Weather service says last month was the sixth driest October in Minnesota recorded history. WCCO’s Allen Henry talked to climatologists about when we might see relief.
While we’ve had plenty of beautiful days lately, rain has been hard to come by. The drought has lowered water levels across the state in our lakes and rivers.
Nations pledged to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but three new U.N. reports show that the world is on track to hit nearly double that in less than 80 years.
For the past two years we’ve had drought conditions in Minnesota and Wisconsin. At the same time -- our falls are warming -- and so are our winters. How does that impact animal behavior and your next trip out to the deer stand?
Trace amounts of rain, along with wind, have led to combine fires in Minnesota. And in some cases, those fires have spread, destroying several acres of crops.
The warning means weather conditions are "ideal for wildfire," the DNR said. Those include strong winds and minimal humidity levels. Much of the state of Minnesota is under drought conditions.
Right now, parts of southern Minnesota need to see 11 to 15 inches of precipitation before the end of the year.
Minneapolis police are investigating after they said at least 31 cars were reportedly damaged on the city's southside within 8 hours on Monday morning.
More than $1 million will be repaid to construction workers in one of the largest settlements of its kind in Minnesota history.
A law to make grooming a felony in Minnesota is closer to reality. House members unanimously passed the bill on Monday. The move follows a WCCO Investigative series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she calls grooming and sexual assault by her high school band director.
Hold Your Horses is a local nonprofit that provides therapy alongside horses and the natural world for people of all ages and abilities.
If he's able to play on Tuesday, it will be a big boost for Minnesota's top line and its top power-play unit.
Minneapolis police are investigating after they said at least 31 cars were reportedly damaged on the city's southside within 8 hours on Monday morning.
More than $1 million will be repaid to construction workers in one of the largest settlements of its kind in Minnesota history.
Hold Your Horses is a local nonprofit that provides therapy alongside horses and the natural world for people of all ages and abilities.
The Orono girls lacrosse team is coming off a historic season, making it to the state tournament for the first time. Now, they're working toward going again.
Dozens of people gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol Monday for the third annual Somali Day celebration.
Hold Your Horses is a local nonprofit that provides therapy alongside horses and the natural world for people of all ages and abilities.
A man is dead and a woman is injured after police responded to a shots fired call in Mankato Sunday afternoon.
Researchers say more wolves are roaming a remote Lake Superior island, using moose as one of their primary food sources.
Clouds remain throughout Sunday in Minnesota as the wind picks up with gusts up to 20 mph by the afternoon.
Clouds will linger throughout Saturday with the high temperatures reaching in the low 60s.
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating after nearly 50 firearms and "a large quantity of ammunition" were stolen from a sporting goods store in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday.
Two Minnesotans were killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in western Wisconsin.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
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.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
A law to make grooming a felony in Minnesota is closer to reality. House members unanimously passed the bill on Monday. The move follows a WCCO Investigative series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she calls grooming and sexual assault by her high school band director.
A law to make grooming a felony in Minnesota is closer to reality. House members unanimously passed the legislation on Monday. It follows a WCCO Investigative series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she calls grooming and sexual assault by her high school band director. Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle was in the gallery for the vote.
A large investment company is warning anyone with stocks to hold on to your hats. Information from JP Morgan says uncertainty is fueling inflation, but so far the market has been more resilient than expected.
Lawmakers want to keep that going and provide additional protection on Capitol grounds. Caroline Cummings is in St. Paul with more on that bipartisan push.
Dozens of people gathered in St. Paul for the third annual Somali Day at the Minnesota State Capitol.
A large investment company is warning anyone with stocks to hold on to your hats. Information from JP Morgan says uncertainty is fueling inflation, but so far the market has been more resilient than expected.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating after nearly 50 firearms and "a large quantity of ammunition" were stolen from a sporting goods store in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday.
Minnesota lawmakers and other state elected officials facing credible threats could receive special security under a bill that cleared the state Senate on Monday.
Arrests by ICE agents declined across the U.S. following the Minneapolis killings and changes in enforcement leadership.
Cole Allen was charged Monday in federal court with three counts including attempt to assassinate the president.
Cole Allen, 31, sent an email to family members shortly before the annual press gala, officials told CBS News.
Hold Your Horses is a local nonprofit that provides therapy alongside horses and the natural world for people of all ages and abilities.
Minnesota lawmakers are calling for the humanitarian release of a woman detained earlier this year amid Operation Metro Surge who is suffering from a tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
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.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
If he's able to play on Tuesday, it will be a big boost for Minnesota's top line and its top power-play unit.
The Orono girls lacrosse team is coming off a historic season, making it to the state tournament for the first time. Now, they're working toward going again.
The PWHL regular-season champion Montreal Victoire bucked the standings by choosing to open their semifinal playoff series facing the third-place — and two-time defending Walter Cup champion — Minnesota Frost.
Denver's Nikola Jokic has been fined $50,000, and Minnesota's Julius Randle $35,000, for their roles in an altercation during Game 4 of their playoff series, the NBA announced Sunday.
Yandy Diaz homered as part of a four-run third inning and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 to complete a three-game series sweep.
The only open Congressional race in Minnesota is in the state's 2nd Congressional District, where the incumbent Rep. Angie Craig is not running for reelection but running for U.S. Senate.
The Cook Partisan Voting Index rates the district at a +3 for Democratic candidates, which means in recent presidential elections, Democrats have held a narrow 3-point edge.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
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.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
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.
Rain will move out of Minnesota by early Tuesday and clouds will follow, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
Melting snow combined with spring rain has led to rushing rivers and some flooding on Minnesota's north shore. On Friday, some hiking trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park had to be closed. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for most of the area on Monday. Lisa Meadows takes us 40 miles northeast of Duluth where the rushing water is attracting visitors.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain showers will move out tonight and sunshine will return tomorrow.
Rain showers move out of Minnesota overnight Tuesday and the clouds will follow, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak.
Rain will move out of Minnesota by early Tuesday and clouds will follow, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
More than $1 million will be repaid to construction workers as part of one of the largest settlements in Minnesota history. A group of Twin Cities carpenters is getting tens of thousands of dollars each in back pay. As Esme Murphy shows, wage theft is more common than you may think. And there are new tools to fight back.
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month, a group of seniors is discovering something that doesn’t happen in a doctor’s office. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and John Lauritsen take us into the barn to see how it's done.
Melting snow combined with spring rain has led to rushing rivers and some flooding on Minnesota's north shore. On Friday, some hiking trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park had to be closed. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for most of the area on Monday. Lisa Meadows takes us 40 miles northeast of Duluth where the rushing water is attracting visitors.
A law to make grooming a felony in Minnesota is closer to reality. House members unanimously passed the legislation on Monday. It follows a WCCO Investigative series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she calls grooming and sexual assault by her high school band director. Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle was in the gallery for the vote.