Severe drought has spread into portions of Marion County in the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor Report. The worst conditions locally have spread along the South Skunk River basin north of Pella near the Marion/Mahaska County Line, with Marion County along and north of Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River basin remaining in moderate drought, similar conditions to Warren County mainly north of Indianola. While warmer than average conditions and few chances for significant rainfall remain in the forecast through Sunday, the National Weather Service is predicting an increased potential for rounds of rainfall starting early next week.