A long stretch without significant rainfall and another round of heat over Labor Day has drought intensifying in south central Iowa. This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Marion and Warren Counties in some category of dry conditions, most of which is severe drought, while the northeast portion of Marion County is considered moderate. Most of the region has received less than two inches of rainfall in the last month, with Knoxville recording .79″ in that time period. According to the National Weather Service, stream flows are extremely low, with most local rivers and streams in the 10th percentile of state rivers. A burn ban has been issued in Mahaska County due to the drought and anticipated dry conditions expected. The next best chance for precipitation is possible late Sunday into Monday morning, but widespread, heavy rainfall is not anticipated.