DNR Water Summary Shows 44% of Iowa in Severe Drought, Some Improvements

(Des Moines, IA)  —  The latest D-N-R Water Summary Update shows the entire state of Iowa in some form or dryness or drought.  Precipitation remains two inches below normal with seven days remaining in June.  Severe drought now covers nearly 44 percent of the state – up from eight percent at the start of the month.  D-N-R hydrology coordinator Tim Hall said, “current and near term projected rainfall should help ease drought conditions, although the U-S Drought Monitor this week doesn’t include any rain that fell after Tuesday morning.”  Hall says they are anticipating improved conditions next week.  Several parts of the state received much need rainfall while some areas also had hail and strong winds.  Officials warn that a return to hot and dry weather could reverse this change.