The latest map for Iowa by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows no area of the state remains in a D3 or “extreme” drought classification. The data released this (Thursday) morning includes precipitation through Tuesday, May 14 at 7 a.m. According to their figures, just 16.09 percent of that state falls into a D2 or “severe” drought category, nearly all in eastern Iowa, followed by 11.34 percent in D1 or “moderate” drought, and 20.03 percent in D0 or “abnormally dry.” Over half the state, at 52.54 percent, is no longer categorized as experiencing any dryness conditions. This is an impressive turnaround in the last three months. In February, only 5.24 percent of the state had no dryness, and nearly a fifth of the state was in “extreme drought.” While Iowans are glad to see above-average precipitation finally, the wet conditions are slowing spring planting as much of the state is more than a week behind the five-year average for corn and soybeans. A link to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s report is included with this story on our website.
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