Some parts of the state remain dry

While most of the state is getting plenty of rain, there are areas which are suffering near-drought conditions according to State Climatologist Harry Hillaker. Hillaker says dry conditions were common in certain areas of the state for the past few years, and they’ve never quite gotten “up to a full tank” as far as soil moisture goes. Hillaker says forecasters aren’t ready to declare a full drought. Hillaker says top soil moisture is not that far from normal in even the driest areas of the state, but some long-term water sources like underground acquifers, wells and ponds could be considered in a drought state. Hillaker says the dry areas aren’t confined to one section of the state. Hillaker says it’s dry in places like Atlantic, Greenfield, in scattered places in southwest, southcentral, southeast and far northwest Iowa. Hillaker says “over the last couple of months, even though most of Iowa has seen rather plentiful rainfall, there are a few places that have received quite a bit less rain. In some areas, maybe only a half to two-thirds the normal amount.”