Drought conditions remain unchanged in Marion and Warren Counties in the latest weekly update. 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Report, 100% of Marion and Warren Counties continue to face severe drought conditions, the third highest on the national scale. Rain that fell in the latter part of the week missed the Tuesday cutoff for the report. Neighboring communities also saw no change in the latest update as all of Madison, Mahaska, Monroe, Jasper, and Polk counties are considered in severe drought. The majority of Clarke and Lucas counties are still in severe drought, while the southern third portion of Clarke and 20% of the southern portion of Lucas are in moderate drought conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, dry conditions are expected through the weekend and into Monday before chances for rain return to the forecast Tuesday night.