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Jul 16, 2009 11:13 pm US/Central
Summer Drought Has A 'Silver Lining'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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In 2008, it was not as bad. At that time, 25 percent of the state was in a drought.
CBS
The dry summer is taking a toll in the Twin Cities. Right now, 73 percent of Minnesota is in a drought and new data puts the worst of it right in the metro.
In 2008, it was not as bad. At that time, 25 percent of the state was in a drought.
Vendors at the Minneapolis Farmer's Market on Nicollet Mall are swapping dry weather stories.
Stacey Yang has been selling fruits and vegetables for 15 years with her family. She doesn't remember a worse one for their onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
"We're watering a little bit more. It's a little more laborious," Yang said.
The National Weather Service looks at lake levels, water, crops, soil and stream flow before figuring out just how bad things are.
Two years ago in the Twin Cities the scene was similar to right now a little later in the summer. Jim Taggart, a meteorologist told us this year the cool air has helped.
Since we haven't had that intense heat water takes a lot longer to evaporate and that could be why are lawns aren't looking as brown as you think they would.
"Since July 1st, we've been averaging about one to two degrees below normal. Which has actually helped. Hotter temps are going to be worse for drying things out," Taggart said.
amage at Midway Stadium in St. Paul from the drought, unless you're paying the water bill.
The Saints home turf has had to be watered nearly every night for months.
Bob Klepperich is the stadium manager. He isn't sure how much the summer has cost so far, but he knows it's not good.
"Up until June it really wasn't too bad but July here has been, probably putting us over the top a bit," Klepperich said.
As the metro holds onto hope mother nature will come through soon.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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