More counties are being affected by a short-term drought this summer.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, Marion, Jasper, and Monroe Counties are all experiencing moderate drought after a warm, dry June, and conditions have spread east to Mahaska and Poweshiek Counties.
Rain has been hit or miss throughout the past few weeks, with nearly an inch falling in Pella in the morning and evening combined, and lesser totals to the south and west.