Drought conditions worsen in Iowa
August 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson
DES MOINES, Iowa — Abnormally dry or drought conditions now cover more than half of Iowa. The latest Drought Monitor map was released Thursday morning. The map shows 56% of the state rated as abnormally dry, which now includes Polk and Jasper counties. Areas of northwest and southeastern Iowa are now so dry they’re dealing with drought conditions. Two-thirds of Cass County, most of Adair, Madison, Adams, Union and Montgomery Counties are experiencing a Moderate Drought, while other areas to the north and northeast are considered “Dry.”
According to the report, 30.6% of Iowa is experiencing moderate drought, up from 17.2% a week ago. 9.1% of Iowa is experiencing severe drought, a 1.4% increase from last week, while 3.2% of the state is dealing with extreme drought.
Iowa Drought Monitor, 8/4/22 (click on image to enlarge)
An island of D1 category moderate drought introduced two weeks ago in southeast Iowa is expanding across the southern and central part of the state into southwest Iowa. Plymouth County and the northern portion of Woodbury County in northwest Iowa are dealing with extreme drought conditions.
National Weather Service data shows Sioux City has only received 8.77″ of rain since the start of 2022, nearly 10″ below average for precipitation through early August.
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