A bit of drought relief came with severe thunderstorms that impacted the region this past weekend, according to the latest national report. The U.S. Drought Monitor still shows widespread severe drought continuing in most of Marion and Warren Counties — but areas that received more than two inches of rain — and in some cases, closer to 4-5”, were downgraded to moderate drought, including Pella and Lake Red Rock. The next best chance for rain comes today with scattered rain showers possible, but otherwise, cooler, drier conditions will remain in place for several days.