Washington, DC (Northwestiowanow.com) — A portion of the KICD Broadcast area popped back into the “normal” category in Thursday’s update of the USDA Drought Monitor.
69 percent of the state is now considered normal, up from 61 percent one week ago. That includes virtually all of Pocahontas County, and over half of Buena Vista County, which was in the “Abnormally Dry” category with the other seven counties last week. .
25 percent of the state is now considered “abnormally dry” compared to 31 percent last week.
8 percent is in the D-1 “Moderate Drought” category including Southeast Emmet County and Eastern Palo Alto County. To the East, Moderate Drought has spread into Northern Kossuth, Winnebago, and Mitchell Counties.

Earlier this week ISU Cropping Specialist Mark Licht said the top and bottom of Iowa are experiencing very different weather patterns.

Statewide, the topsoil moisture condition was rated 18 percent short to very short, 60 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.