OTTUMWA —
The U.S. Drought Monitor's map of Iowa showed little change for the week.
Southeast Iowa remained virtually unchanged over the past week. North central Iowa showed a decline, as extreme drought expanded its range into that part of the state.
Locally, almost all of Marion and Mahaska counties are in the severe drought category. Jefferson, Wapello and Monroe counties are split, with the northern halves of each county in severe drought. The southern halves of those counties, along with Appanoose, Davis and Van Buren counties, remain in the extreme drought category.
Statewide, the percentage of Iowa land under extreme drought categories rose from 62 percent to 67.5 percent. The rest of the state is no better off than the severe drought category.
This week has seen a return to hotter weather, though high temperatures are nowhere near the extreme heat that baked the state for much of the summer.
Southeast Iowa
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Area conditions unchanged as drought persists
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