Despite significant precipitation that has fallen in south central Iowa this month, drought conditions remain unchanged in the latest weekly update. 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Report, all of Warren County and just under half of Marion County continue to face extreme drought, the second worst rating on the national scale. The rest of Marion County is still seeing severe drought conditions, the third highest rating on the Drought Monitor Report. Surrounding communities also saw no relief in the latest update, as portions of Polk, Madison, Clarke, Lucas, and Monroe counties remain in extreme drought conditions. Mahaska County is the lone community locally that saw slight relief in the latest report. Since last week, the percentage of Mahaska County facing severe drought conditions dropped from 26.94% to 6.53%, but most of the area is still considered in extreme drought. 

According to the National Weather Service, dry and cold conditions are expected through the weekend, but slightly warmer temperatures and chances for rain return to the forecast starting Monday.