As rainfall in southeast Iowa remains minimal, five local counties are seeing areas of severe drought for the first time this year.

After seeing moderate drought conditions for the last few weeks, the entirety of Jefferson and Henry Counties are now considered severe drought areas. Louisa County has seen a spike as well, with 75.79% of the land in a severe drought. While a majority of Washington and Keokuk Counties are still reported as under a moderate drought, the southern portion of both counties has been classified as severe: 39.85% in Washington County and 16.2% in Keokuk County.

The population of those living in these drought areas is estimated at over 80,000. With more warm weather ahead, KCII will have more information as it becomes official. To view the drought outlook in your county, as well as the rest of Iowa, click here.