Despite receiving much needed rainfall last week, local drought remains in severe conditions for Marion and Warren Counties in the latest weekly update. 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Report, all of Marion county continues to see severe drought, while just shy of 97% of Warren County faces the third highest rating on the national scale. Neighboring communities also saw no change in the latest update. Severe drought is still in place for the majority of Clarke, Jasper, Lucas, and Mahaska counties, while moderate drought is in effect for the majority of Monroe, Madison, and Polk Counties.

According to the National Weather Service, chances for rain and potentially severe thunderstorms are expected throughout the weekend, before dry conditions return early next week.