UNDATED (WJON News) -- Signs of drought are growing across Minnesota as hot and dry conditions persist. The U.S. Drought Monitor's weekly report shows nearly 87% of the state is abnormally dry, including the eastern half of Stearns County and all of Benton and Sherburne County. The report also shows just under 48% of the state is experiencing a moderate drought. A large pocket of north-central Minnesota is currently in a severe drought, with nearly 17% of the state experiencing a severe drought. Only 13% of Minnesota has no dry conditions to report, which is down 9% from a week ago.