It may not be as bad as a year ago but it’s working on it.

The northern third of North Dakota is drawing the attention of the U.S. Drought Monitor. In their weekly issuance of soil conditions throughout the United States, the Drought Monitor shows concerns about a growing percentage of acreage in the state.

Twelve percent of the state, including most of Ward County, is listed as being in moderate drought. The percentage last week was zero. Twenty-nine percent of the state, encompassing approximately the northern third of North Dakota, is described by the Drought Monitor as “abnormally dry.”

The Drought Monitor uses five categories in their weekly rankings to designate the extent of drought conditions. They are abnormally dry, moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional. Conditions present for moderate drought includes lower than usual water levels in reservoirs and wells with water shortages developing. The next level of classification, severe drought, signifies crop or pasture losses likely with water shortages and have areas where water restrictions are imposed.

The Drought Monitor, which is a compilation of data from several national agencies, is issued each Thursday.