Prolonged dryness in South Central Iowa has caused severe and extreme drought to spread throughout the region.

Meteorologist Kurt Kotenberg with the National Weather Service tells KNIA/KRLS News most of central Iowa has been caught in-between systems that had much-needed rainfall fall elsewhere. Kotenberg says the chances of persistent drought-busting rain may be far off for areas east and south of the Des Moines metro, and the drought will likely persist through the fall.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, most of Marion, Mahaska, and Monroe Counties are in severe drought, and extreme drought exists in southern Warren and most of Lucas Counties. Needed rainfall fell over the last two days, however. Sunday to Tuesday totals from our two stations:
Knoxville: .83
Pella: 1.00

Radar estimates indicate that areas near Monroe and Prairie City received over three inches during that same time frame.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for the latest weather information.

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