The newest U.S. Drought Monitor map for Iowa shows whether all spring rain has continued to put a dent in the state’s drought conditions.
In the Drought Monitor report released May 2, half of Iowa reported no abnormal dryness or drought.
That number has very slightly dwindled, with the newest Drought Monitor report from May 8 showing 49% of Iowa with no dryness or drought.
Iowa Drought Monitor: How much of Iowa is in a drought?
Select areas of Iowa remain under moderate drought conditions, particularly in the western and eastern parts of the state, expanding as far south as Sioux and Jackson Counties.
Current conditions are still an improvement from this time last year, when 37% of the state was under moderate drought conditions and 19% of Iowa hit severe drought conditions.
More than 92% of Polk County is not experiencing any drought conditions, with only 7.9% of the county under abnormally dry conditions, according to the Drought Monitor.
Iowa Drought Monitor tracks conditions weekly
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions across the country. 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 one year ago.
Des Moines Register reporters Kate Kealey contributed to this report.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How much drought remains in Iowa? Check the latest US Drought Monitor maps
Reporting by Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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