An updated drought report from the USDA says conditions are abnormally dry in more than three-fourths of Iowa and in all of Illinois.
Just over 78 percent of Iowa is considered abnormally dry and more than 13 percent is in a moderate drought as of the June 14, 2012 update. The report is based on data reported June 12.
Check out Iowa drought conditions at this link: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?IA,MW
The new report shows the entire state of Illinois is now in some state of drought. Just over 30 percent of the state is in moderate drought and nearly eight percent is in a severe drought. The severe drought conditions are prevalent in the southern-most counties.
Check out Illinois drought conditions at this link: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?IL,MW
Just over 62 percent of the contiguous United States is currently experiencing drought conditions, compared to about 33 percent at this time last year.
Conditions could improve in Iowa as weekend rain is forecast for central and northern Iowa and areas west of the Quad Cities.
Check out the complete forecast at http://www.wqad.com/weather