While southeastern Iowa is seeing the sharpest return of drought conditions, north-central Iowa is also beginning to dry out after a relatively wet summer. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet reports that rainfall across the state has been spotty since early August, and the forecast for the next week shows little to no precipitation.
Fields in this part of the state still have some moisture in reserve from June and July rains, but farmers could start seeing impacts if the dry stretch continues. With temperatures climbing and harvest season approaching, the lack of rain could stress crops nearing maturity and increase fire danger in rural areas.
Experts suggest monitoring soil conditions closely as the dry pattern lingers into mid-September.
