Above normal average precipitation in Iowa last week lessened drought intensity in areas including Washington County.

Drought conditions decreased from all of Washington County having an abnormally dry intensity last week to now having only the southeast portion affected. Drought conditions were also eliminated for almost all of Keokuk County and for surrounding portions of Iowa, Johnson, and Jefferson counties. Parts of Iowa that were previously experiencing extreme drought intensity also diminished one level to severe. State Climatologist Justin Glisan mentioned in this week’s Crop Progress and Condition Report that the average rainfall received last week was 2.26 inches while the normal is .97 inch. In Iowa County, North English and Williamsburg measured 3.08 inches and 3.45 inches of precipitation respectively on September 25th. Topsoil moisture levels rated 14% very short, 30% short, 52% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 20% very short, 41% short, 38% adequate, and 1% surplus.