Drought conditions slightly worsen, all of listening area in “moderate drought”

DES MOINES — Drought conditions have slightly worsened across the state of Iowa according to the latest update of the Iowa Drought Monitor.

All of north-central Iowa is now in the “D-1 Moderate Drought” category. Last week, there were some areas of “Abnormally Dry” in northern Mitchell and northeastern Worth counties.

Statewide, 87% of the state is in some level of drought, up from 79% last week; 62% of the state is in the “D-1 Moderate Drought” level, up from 57% last week. 1% of the state is in the “D-2 Severe Drought” category, with a patch of area in western Plymouth, southwestern Sioux, and far northwestern Woodbury counties in northwestern Iowa.

Last year at this time, 95% of the state was in some level of drought.