Hot and dry conditions continued across Iowa most of last week and soil moisture is low across the state.

Last week there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soil moisture is very short in southeast Iowa. Topsoil moisture locally is 51% very short, 38% short, and only 11% is adequate. Subsoil moisture is slightly better in southeast Iowa at 31% very short, 37% short, and 32% adequate. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker states the statewide average precipitation was recorded at just under a quarter of an inch last week, while 1.07 inches is normal.