DES MOINES, Iowa—The National Weather Service made available this week’s U.S. Drought Monitor map that was released on May 14th. As expected, rainfall last week translated into improved conditions statewide. The total percentage of drought, either Moderate Drought of Severe Drought declined by about 10%. Even the Abnormally Dry area of coverage declined.

Locally, Boone County saw the northeast corner of the county declared drought free. The area also included portions of Hamilton, Hardin and Story Counties. About 28% of Boone County, the southern portion of the county is in Moderate Drought, the balance of the county, about 44% is considered Abnormally Dry.

U.S. Drought Monitor Map 05/14

U.S. Drought Monitor Map 05/07