In southeast Iowa farmers had 6.4 days suitable for field work for the week ending September 6th, according to the most recent crop progress and condition report. According to state climatologist Harry Hillaker, the week was unseasonably warm and dry. Topsoil moisture in the area is rated 74 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus, 16 percent is short. Subsoil moisture in southeast Iowa is considered 13 percent short, 79 percent adequate and six percent surplus.

Only four percent of Iowa is considered abnormally dry at this time, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The portions that are dry are in the northeast corner of the state.