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Last week the statewide average precipitation was less than half of the normal amount.

According to State Climatologist Harry Hillaker the average rain last week was 0.41 inches, while 0.96 inches is normal. Most of Iowa is dry with 40% in moderate drought and 71.5% abnormally dry. Five counties have issued burn bans, they include nearby Wapello and Mahaska Counties, as well as Plymouth, Buena Vista, and Crawford Counties in northwest Iowa. Burn bans can be issued by the state fire marshal during periods of extremely dry conditions when open burning can be dangerous to life or property. The open burning bans often come at the request of a chief or local fire department, city council, or a board of supervisors.