This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Washington County having abnormally dry intensity, as precipitation across the state continues to be below average.

The most recent Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows the statewide average precipitation last week was .53 of an inch while the normal is .82 of an inch. Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 34 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 17 percent very short, 39 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Three months ago Washington County showed no drought conditions while one year ago the northwest portion of the county was abnormally dry. The estimated number of Iowans living in drought areas is 2,170,890.