Dry conditions have continued to creep back in parts of Iowa after the state was declared drought-free in August.
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday. What are the current drought conditions in Iowa?
US Drought Monitor map: How much of Iowa is in a drought?
The latest Drought Monitor report, released on Sept. 11, indicated that 7.8% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, mainly in the southern part of Iowa. This is an increase from the last report, when just 4.1% of Iowa was in abnormal dry conditions.
All 99 counties in Iowa were categorized as drought-free in the Aug. 14 U.S. Drought Monitor report, thanks to record-setting rainfall totals in July and persistent showers in August. It held this designation for several weeks before first reporting drought conditions at the beginning of September.
Statewide, Iowa saw 3.40 inches of rain in August, or 0.73 inches below normal, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
At the start of 2025, nearly 80% of the state was considered abnormally dry. By April 29, that figure had improved to 50%.
Iowa Drought Monitor tracks conditions weekly
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday.
The intensity levels range from abnormally dry, or D0, to exceptional drought, or D4.
Typically under D0 conditions, corn can show drought stress. Pond levels start to decline under moderate drought conditions and soybeans abort pods, according to the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor also has a look-back chart that compares drought conditions from 3 months ago up to 1 year ago.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Drought monitor shows Iowa dry conditions returning. See where drought could strike.
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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