Drought conditions remain in place across the region, according to the latest national report. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows mostly severe conditions in Marion and Warren Counties, with areas that received heavy rain due to storms in September, including Pella and Lake Red Rock, rated as moderate.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says many areas in the state are as dry as they have ever been, and while it’s not as bad locally, there are still many concerns about precipitation deficits in most of Iowa.

Drought conditions have also increased the fire risk across much of the state this fall, which increases when wind speeds approach 25-40 MPH and plants start to dry out as the growing season ends.

Much cooler conditions will settle in this weekend into next week, according to the National Weather Service, as daytime highs stay in the upper 50s and low 60s this weekend and drop closer to 50 by early next week.