While no longer officially in drought conditions according to the latest national report, most of Marion and Warren Counties remain abnormally dry.

The weekly update reflects precipitation trends through Tuesday; most of the region received between 1/4 to 1/2″ of rain and a trace to two inches of snow on Wednesday that will be factored into reports next week — and much heavier snow fell to the north and west, which will improve stream flows along the Des Moines River basin and others as that melts later this season.

Near-normal temperatures for mid-January are expected for the next several days, according to the National Weather Service, with light snow possible Saturday evening.