Drought is beginning to spread again in south central Iowa.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, Marion County primarily along and south of Highway 92 is now rated in moderate drought conditions, with the rest of the county abnormally dry. Despite higher than average precipitation in June, a dry July has continued into August. Statewide, abnormally dry conditions have spread to most of Iowa south of Highway 30, and severe drought continues near the Iowa/Missouri border.
According to the 8-14 day outlook by the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, near normal precipitation chances are expected, but much hotter than average temperatures are in the forecast during that time.