Drought conditions have worsened across Iowa, though relief could arrive with rain expected May 14-19.
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 Thursday, May 14, showed about 30% of Iowa experiencing some form of drought. The report includes observations as of 8 a.m. May 12.
Here is the breakdown of drought conditions in Iowa as of May 14:
Drought conditions have worsened since the last report, released on May 7, which showed that 89% of the state was experiencing no drought. The map shows abnormally dry conditions across most of western Iowa, extending east to Hancock County in northern Iowa. Parts of Lyon, Sioux and Plymouth counties are experiencing moderate to severe drought patches.
Polk County is not experiencing any dry conditions. Des Moines has recorded just 0.08 inches of rain in May, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms are expected to move through Iowa starting the evening of Thursday, May 14 and lasting into the weekend.
Current conditions are an improvement from a year ago, when 68% of the state was experiencing some form of drought, according to the Drought Monitor.
Most of the US facing drought conditions
Nationally, 76% of the country is experiencing some level of drought. That’s up from 75% on May 5 and only 55% on May 13, 2025. Drought conditions are most prevalent in the southeast, particularly Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
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 with 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: Iowa drought monitor map shows dry conditions worsening in May
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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