Drought conditions have been constant over the summer, and the state climatologist is concerned for what could happen during harvest.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan wants to remind anyone running equipment in fields this harvest season to be vigilant and watch for anything that may go wrong, especially with problems that may be hidden by dust from the harvesting process.

“Given how dry it’s been out there, we want our farmers to be cognizant of being out in the fields with the combines and the potential for combine fires.”

Glisan advises to watch weather forecasts as well, to see if dry weather will continue. He also mentions that with how severe drought conditions are across the state, it would be immensely beneficial if Iowa residents could submit conditions in their area to him and his office at 515-281-8981.

Glisan tells Raccoon Valley Radio that with the extra information, his office will be better able to help the US Drought Monitor to compile recent and correct data when they produce their weekly map of conditions across the state.