DES MOINES, Iowa—Extreme drought is expanding in Iowa. This week’s U-S drought monitor map shows new areas of extreme drought in Southern and Southwest Iowa. It adds to extreme drought conditions in Eastern, Northeast, and Southeast Iowa. There is also a pocket of near-drought conditions in the northwest corner of the state. Ninety-nine percent of Iowa is under drought or near-drought conditions.

Locally, Boone and Greene Counties to took a big step back in the past week. Boone County now has Extreme Drought conditions is just under 52% of the county and Severe Drought in just over 48%. Greene County now has just over 61% with Extreme Drought and just under 39% Severe Drought.

(Contributed information, USDM, USDA, NOAA)