![]() Drought in southern Iowa has also rapidly intensified since late July (currently at severe drought – D2) as a result of below-normal rainfall (Figure 2) and slightly above-normal temperatures (Figure 3).On the other hand, extreme drought in southwestern Missouri had quick onset this summer, beginning in mid-July. Despite some relief over the winter of 2021–22, drought in northwestern Iowa has been persistent since summer 2020. The two pockets of extreme drought have very different evolutions.The most intense areas of drought are in northwestern Iowa and southwestern Missouri (extreme drought – D3) and southern Iowa and east-central Minnesota, near the Twin Cities (severe drought – D2). Drought is currently affecting 10% of the Midwest region.August rainfall has helped improve drought conditions in some portions of the Midwest (southern Missouri, central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, central Illinois, western Indiana, and western Kentucky), while other areas have not been so lucky (southern Iowa, western Illinois, northern Missouri) (Figure 1).Drought impacts will be less severe as the growing season is coming to an end however, hydrological impacts to surface water, streamflow and groundwater could increase the longer the drought persists.Ĭurrent Conditions and Impacts Current Conditions.As a result, drought conditions are likely to persist through September. The September monthly precipitation outlook shows below-normal precipitation is likely across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with above-normal temperatures as well.In southern Minnesota, lake levels are low and boaters are having issues launching and retrieving boats. ![]() Some areas are also showing signs of hydrological drought, including reduced surface water, streamflow, and groundwater levels.Overall, corn and soybean crops are in good condition across the region however, yields are expected to be lower in the areas that have been dealing with drought this summer, particularly in Iowa and Missouri.As of August 30, drought is affecting 10% of the Midwest region, with the most intense areas in northwestern Iowa and southwestern Missouri (extreme drought, D3), and southern Iowa and east-central Minnesota (severe drought, D2). ![]()
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