For the first time in over a year, Iowa is drought-free thanks to record-setting rainfall totals in July and persistent showers so far in August.
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday. What are the current drought conditions in Iowa?
US Drought Monitor map: 100% of Iowa is drought-free
All 99 counties in Iowa are currently free from drought or abnormal dryness, according to the Aug. 14 U.S. Drought Monitor report.
Thursday's report marks a slight improvement from the previous report on Aug. 7, when 99.4% of the state was experiencing no dryness.
Fremont and Mills counties in the southwest corner of the state were the final two counties to completely erase drought conditions.
At the start of 2025, nearly 80% of the state was considered abnormally dry. By April 29, that figure had improved to 50%. This time last year, Iowa was experiencing near-identical levels, with 97% of the state not reporting any drought conditions.
What are the Iowa Drought Monitor levels?
The intensity levels range from abnormally dry, or D0, to exceptional drought, or D4.
Typically, under D0 conditions, corn can show drought stress. Pond levels start to decline under moderate drought conditions and soybeans abort pods, according to the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor also has a look-back chart that compares drought conditions from 3 months ago up to 1 year ago.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Drought Monitor shows the entire state in drought-free conditions
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