According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, extreme drought has spread throughout the region.

Most of Marion County is now listed under the extreme condition, with worsening conditions spreading through most of Warren and Mahaska Counties as well. Much-needed rainfall is in the forecast today and tomorrow, with 1.5 to 3 inches possible by Sunday morning, with most precipitation expected late tonight through Saturday afternoon.

Rainfall totals since Tuesday at noon:
Pella (Molengracht) – .82″
Lake Red Rock – .72″
Knoxville (KNIA/KRLS Studio) – 1.22″
Tracy – 1.83″
Cedar Creek near Bussey – 3.43″

The latest report does not include rain that fell earlier this week, and all of this weekend’s precipitation will be included in next week’s report. According to the National Weather Service Palmer Drought Index, 9-12″ of rain has to fall in the region over a four week period to bust out of the current drought.