(Des Moines) Drought conditions continue across Iowa, although parts of southeast Iowa showed some improvement, according to the latest drought monitor map released on January 18.
According to the National Weather Service, much of Iowa remained unchanged, given the cold temperatures and frozen ground conditions.
Large portions of the northeast, east-central, south-central, and west-central Iowa remain in extreme drought. (D3). Severe drought. (D2), surrounds the D3 area, and extends across much of Southern and west central Iowa.
Most of the rest of the state falls under moderate drought conditions. Only the far easter tip and portions of northwest Iowa have no drought conditions.
Meanwhile, the 30-day precipitation totals ending on January 17 were generally above average across Iowa, mainly in the south and west. While there was generous rainfall around Christmas, the bulk of precipitation since snow has done little to replenish soil moisture.
