Environmental Report Card Highlights 'Mega-Rains' Threat

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A draft environmental report card for the state warns that as global temperatures warm, Minnesotans need to prepare for increases in catastrophic "mega-rains" and a greater spread of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.

The report card comes from the Environmental Quality Board, which will discuss the draft next week. The final version will provide a foundation for the Minnesota Environmental Congress in February.

The report card singles out climate-related issues for the lowest marks.

Minnesota is getting more frequent "mega-rains," when at least 6 inches affects over 1,000 square miles. Minnesota has experienced seven in the past 17 years, compared with four in the previous 27. Minnesota recorded two this summer alone.

The report also shows how ticks are becoming more widespread across Minnesota with the warmer weather.

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