Last weekend’s heavy rainfall provided needed drought relief to south central Iowa. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, drought mainly exists locally along and north of the Des Moines River, with severe conditions in extreme northeastern Marion County. A round of widespread 2-3″ of rain this past Sunday was included in this most recent report.

Since Wednesday morning, an additional 1 to 1.5″ of precipitation has been recorded in Marion and Warren Counties. Mild, dry conditions return later today, with highs in the 50s over the weekend and overnight lows around 40.