UNDATED (WJON News) -- As dry conditions persist, more of Minnesota is now experiencing a drought. The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows 76% of the state is experiencing at least a moderate drought. That's up from the previous week when just under 48% of Minnesota was in a moderate drought. The dry conditions are nearly statewide, with more than 95% of Minnesota experiencing abnormally dry conditions. In the tri-county area, eastern Stearns County and all of Benton and Sherburne counties are in a moderate drought.