Drought conditions remain in place across the region, according to the latest national report. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows mostly severe conditions in Marion and Warren Counties, with areas that received heavy rain due to storms in September, including Pella and Lake Red Rock, rated as moderate.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says many areas in the state are as dry as they have ever been, and while it’s not as bad locally, there are still many concerns about precipitation deficits in most of Iowa.

Drought conditions have also increased the fire risk across much of the state this fall, which increases when wind speeds approach 25-40 MPH and plants start to dry out as the growing season ends.

Much cooler weather is coming Monday and Tuesday — with lows well into the 20s and highs only approaching the mid 40s across most of the region in the afternoon. Rainfall is not expected in the long term forecast, and dry conditions will dominate for the next several days.