Despite cooler temperatures, the lack of precipitation in southeast Iowa continues to grow the region’s drought conditions. Each of the seven counties in the KCII listening area is seeing portions of extreme drought, the second highest intensity level according to the National Drought Mitigation Center.

Leading the way are Johnson and Jefferson counties, with 100 percent of both experiencing extreme drought. Washington County is close behind at 93.70 percent, followed by Henry County at 63.84 percent, Iowa County at 47.63 percent, Keokuk County at 45.59 percent, and Louisa County at 37.36.

Potential impacts with extreme drought include producers selling cattle due to dry pastures, higher feed prices, lower streambeds, and worsened seasonal allergies. To view the drought outlook in your county, as well as the rest of the state, click here.