(Des Moines)– The latest drought monitor for the state of Iowa issued Thursday (June 4th) shows dry conditions in late May resulted in an increased region of the state being designated as “abnormally dry”, with severe drought conditions ongoing in northwest Iowa, including western portions of Lyon, Sioux and Plymouth counties. The remainder of northwest Iowa is classified as “abnormally dry”, with a drought watch in effect.
According to the report, precipitation statewide in May totaled 2.78 inches, a little more than 2 inches below normal. On a positive note, the latest update says recent rainfall eliminated pockets of severe drought. However the Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Drought Outlook suggests that the current area of severe drought in western Lyon, Sioux and Plymouth counties will likely persist and may even expand into nearby, surrounding areas through August.
