Abnormally dry conditions persist in Washington County as last week’s statewide weekly average precipitation was about half of what is normally received.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows counties across north-central Iowa and some of southeast Iowa are experiencing drought conditions. The estimated number of Iowans in drought areas decreased slightly this week to 780,741. The latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report showed topsoil moisture levels rated 7% very short, 21% short, 65% adequate, and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 11% very short, 31% short, 56% adequate, and 2% surplus. State Climatologist Justin Glisan says much of the state experienced precipitation deficits between 0.4 to 0.6 inches, with the statewide average at 0.32 inch, compared to the normal of 0.65 inch.