ND Gov. Armstrong Declares Drought Disaster

BISMARCK, ND—North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has declared a statewide drought disaster. Governor Armstrong’s executive order cites data from the State Climate Office which shows this past July was the sixth warmest in North Dakota history with an average high temperature of almost 87 degrees.  It was also the 12th driest July in state history with total average precipitation for the month at an inch and a quarter; with many areas of North Dakota getting less than an inch of rain in July.  The order states the warmer than expected temperatures and below average rainfall are expected to continue into the fall.  Governor Armstrong’s order allows the North Dakota National Guard to support state agencies, local and tribal governments.