Washington County is still showing abnormally dry conditions according to this week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report.

Areas of northern and central Iowa have been experiencing drought intensity for the last several months, with counties in central Iowa currently under a severe drought. Much of central and northwest Iowa are within a region including parts of Nebraska, North and South Dakotas, and Minnesota that are expected to see long-term hydrological and ecological impacts for longer than six months. The most recent Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows topsoil moisture levels rated 8 percent very short, 34 percent short, 57 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 16 percent very short, 38 percent short, 46 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.