A drought worsening across most of south central Iowa and the state is cause for some concern during the peak of harvest season.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says with extra dust likely due to rapidly drying crops in fields, farmers should keep a close eye on heavy machinery, as that combination could lead to more fires.

The worsening drought also means elevated risk for outdoor controlled burns, especially as windier conditions settle in later in the season.

Hear more about the climate outlook on today’s In Touch with South Central Iowa.