Abnormally dry conditions continue through Washington County, and moderate drought remains in place in areas to the south according to this week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report.

Little has changed over the past few weeks with drought conditions, with most of southeast Iowa remaining drier than normal. Much needed rainfall dropped over areas impacted by drought this week, with an estimated 1/2 up to 2″ falling over much of Jefferson and Henry Counties, and lower amounts recorded in Washington County. Statewide, abnormally dry conditions have spread to most of Iowa south of Highway 30, and severe drought continues near the Iowa/Missouri border. According to the 8-14 day outlook by the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, near normal precipitation chances are expected, but much hotter than average temperatures are in the forecast during that time.