North Dakota is in the worst statewide drought since 2006.

The U.S. Drought Monitor published July 20 shows more than six percent of North Dakota is in an exceptional drought.

"This is the first time since Aug. 15, 2006, the state experienced the 'exceptional drought' status," says Adnan Akyuz, professor of climatological practice at North Dakota State University and North Dakota's state climatologist.

Counties that are in the exceptional drought area are Divide, Mountrail, Ward, McLean, Dunn, Stark, Mercer, Oliver, Morton, Grant, Hettinger, Slope, Bowman and Adams.