Severe Drought Expands in Northeast Iowa

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Iowa shows severe drought continues to expand in northeast sections of the state.

Based on precipitation through 7 am Tuesday, June 20, all of Butler and Bremer counties, over three-quarters of Fayette and Black Hawk counties, plus southern sections of Floyd and Chickasaw counties, are now rated to be in the D2/severe drought category.

Severe drought concerns are also reaching into Franklin, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Grundy, Cerro Gordo and Allamakee counties.

The majority of Floyd, Chickasaw, Franklin, Cerro Gordo and Worth counties are now in the D1/moderate drought category. Moderate drought is also impacting portions of Fayette, Winneshiek, Howard and Mitchell counties. The majority of Howard and Mitchell counties, and about half of Winneshiek County are considered abnormally dry.

According to the National Weather Service in Lacrosse, since the growing season began April 1st, precipitation deficits in some areas of northeast Iowa are now down four-to-nine inches below normal.