Latest Drought Monitor Shows Abnormally Dry Conditions Showing Up in Extreme Southwest Iowa

(Des Moines) The latest U.S. Drought Monitor showed abnormally dry conditions creeping into several counties in extreme southwest Iowa. The abnormally dry conditions appeared in portions of Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, and Decatur Counties.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says this is more of a short-term dryness, not drought.

Glisan says soil moisture profiles are still good, and stream flows are near normal. The short-term outlook, which extends into the middle of August, shows the temperature trending warmer and elevated wetness, particularly for southwest Iowa.

Short-term temperatures will remain cool, with highs in the 70s through Monday.