Drought conditions continue to worsen across the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area.

This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report shows all of Greene and Guthrie counties under severe drought, while most of Dallas County is under severe drought with the southeast corner in moderate drought. Impacts for counties under severe drought include commodity shortages, stressed livestock, high fire danger, and fewer mosquitoes observed. This is the 11th week Iowa has seen some level of drought conditions, as most of the western half of the state is currently experiencing drought levels as well as the middle-eastern edge of the state. The number of Iowans living in drought areas is estimated at 913,633.