(Des Moines) Iowa’s drought situation improved in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday, August 20, although significant dry conditions remain across parts of the state.
The latest map, which reflects conditions through Tuesday, August 18, shows nearly 20% of Iowa still experiencing Moderate Drought, or D1 conditions. However, recent rainfall has helped reduce drought coverage and intensity in several areas.
One of the most noticeable improvements came in west-central Iowa and southwest Iowa. Two weeks ago, Cass and Adair counties were listed under the D1 drought category. Due to heavy rainfall over the last couple of weeks, those two counties are now drought-free. Northern Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and the western half of Guthrie Counties remain in the abnormally dry category and are removed from the D1 Drought category.
Last week, Severe Drought conditions covered much of Ida and Sac counties. This week, most of the Severe Drought area is concentrated in northern Ida County. Rainfall also brought improvement to Greene and Webster counties.
The improvement in Iowa is part of a broader pattern across the Midwest. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that widespread and heavy rainfall fell from Iowa eastward through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and into eastern Kentucky during the period covered by the latest map. Iowa, Illinois, and northern Missouri all saw improvements in drought conditions as a result.
Rainfall totals were particularly significant across portions of the central United States. A broad area extending from Nebraska into Iowa and farther east received beneficial precipitation, with some areas receiving several inches. The additional moisture helped ease drought conditions in portions of the region.
The latest update also highlights how uneven precipitation has been across the region. While some areas have received substantial rainfall, other locations have remained considerably drier. That variability remains an important factor in determining where drought conditions improve or persist.
For Iowa, the latest map represents a step in the right direction, but the state has not fully emerged from drought. Nearly one-fifth of Iowa remains in Moderate Drought, while Severe Drought continues in a smaller area, primarily in northern Ida County.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated each Thursday and uses precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, and other indicators, along with input from local observers, to determine the location and intensity of drought. The categories range from D0 (Abnormally Dry) through D4 (Exceptional Drought).
For western Iowa, the recent improvement is especially significant following a stretch of persistent dryness. However, continued rainfall will be important to maintain the progress shown on the August 20 map and prevent areas of lingering dryness from intensifying again.
