Iowa Drought Monitor shows north-central Iowa still in moderate drought despite recent rain

DES MOINES — Despite the recent rain, north-central Iowa continues to be in moderate drought conditions.

According to the latest Iowa Drought Monitor report, just over 60% of the state is in the “D-1 Moderate Drought” category, with two-percent of that, all in far northwestern Iowa, continuing to see “D-2 Severe Drought” conditions.

USDA Iowa ag statistician Melissa Couch talks about the statewide soil moisture numbers.  “Topsoil moisture condition rated 8% very short, 28% short, 61% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15% very short, 44% short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus.”

Here in the north-central crop reporting district: topsoil moisture is 14% very short, 28% short, 58% adequate and 0% surplus; while subsoil moisture is 20% very short, 43% short, 37% adequate and 0% surplus.