Heavy precipitation last weekend eliminated Washington County’s drought conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows the county to have no drought intensity after an extended period of drought, as of data collected on October 26th. Areas of north central Iowa continue to have severe drought intensity, and the estimated number of Iowans living in drought areas is 1,292,819. Above average precipitation was recorded in the most recent Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA, with 0.65 inch measured statewide last week while the normal is 0.59 inch. Topsoil moisture levels rated seven percent very short, 23 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and seven percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 14 percent very short, 31 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.