LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – State climatologists say farmers in Nebraska and Iowa should prepare for persistent drought conditions this summer that could devastate their crops. Nebraska State Climatologist Harry Al Dutcher said Thursday that he expects that ranchers and farmers in the western part of his state will suffer crop damage, unless the weather suddenly becomes cooler and wetter. He says that’s unlikely, given the current conditions. 
 
Ranchers in western Nebraska and farmers in north-central Iowa say the weather conditions are the driest they’ve ever seen.  The situation is less dire in Iowa, but State Climatologist Harry Hillaker predicts that June will be warmer than usual. High winds are also causing water to evaporate faster.