July heat produces ‘flash drought’ with more than half of North Dakota affected

By: Jeff Beach

Outlets: North Dakota Monitor

Published: August 7, 2026

Words: 698

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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More than half of North Dakota is now in a drought, with blistering July heat shriveling crops and taking a toll on pastures.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated weekly on Thursdays, shows a third of the state in moderate drought and more than 23% in extreme drought. The extreme drought area increased dramatically from the previous week, when less than 9% of the state was in that category.

“July was …

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