(Des Moines) Dry conditions during May led to worsening drought conditions across much of Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
A drought watch remains in effect for northwest Iowa, while other drought regions remain under a normal designation. Recent rainfall eliminated the last pockets of severe drought in the northwest, but dry conditions expanded across northern and eastern Iowa.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows about three-quarters of Iowa is now classified as abnormally dry or worse, with about 3 percent of the state in moderate drought. Iowa received 2.78 inches of precipitation in May, 2.06 inches below normal.
DNR Environmental Specialist Jessica Reese McIntyre said the seasonal outlook through August suggests current dry areas will likely persist, with additional drought development possible in northern and eastern Iowa.
