Unseasonably dry weather has caused drought conditions to continue to worsen across the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area.

This week’s report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows most of Greene and Guthrie counties experiencing extreme drought. For Dallas County the northwest portion is shown having extreme drought, while the southwest from northeast midsection of the county is under severe drought and the southeast corner is under moderate drought. A water conservation order is in effect for the City of Casey as they are experiencing low water tower levels, and residents are asked not to water their gardens, lawns, or fill swimming pools until further notice.

Impacts reported to the U.S. Drought Monitor for areas in extreme drought include dry pastures with crops being tested for toxins and having pest infestation. Farmers are also reportedly stressed about high feed prices, seasonal allergies have worsened, and acorns are underdeveloped as trees are dropping leaves. Warm water in these areas are also leading to fish kills with low to dry streambed levels. The estimated population of those in drought areas has also increased from 1,032,052 to 1,055,985 this week.