Nearly the entire state of Iowa is drought-free with less than 2% of state considered abnormally dry after record-setting rainfall totals in July.
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: Drought nearly erased in Iowa
Less than 2% of the state is considered abnormally dry with 98.4% of Iowa experiencing no dryness, according to the July 31 U.S. Drought Monitor report.
Much of Wapello County and Fremont County is still considered abnormally dry. A sliver of Mills County is considered in moderate drought but it only accounts for 0.2% of the state, according to the newest report.
At the start of the 2025, nearly 80% of the state was considered abnormally dry. However, this time last year Iowa officially ended its four-year drought with 100% of the state experiencing no dryness.
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.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Drought Monitor map: Iowa nearly drought-free after record rainfall
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