Report: All of Eastern Iowa Now in Severe Drought

While much of the midwest is in a moderate to severe drought, many farmers are feeling the effects of their dying crop, such as this farm west of Center Point, Iowa, on Tuesday, July 11, 2012. (Nikole Hanna/The Gazette-KCRG)

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 19, 2012 at 9:53 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2012 at 9:53 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - All of eastern Iowa is now under a severe drought, according to the latest update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A new drought monitor map released Thursday morning shows all of Iowa, as well as most of the country, now in drought conditions.

The severity of the drought conditions in Iowa continue to advance. 58 percent of the state is now under severe drought conditions, mostly in the eastern half of the state. Last week, severe drought covered just 12 percent of Iowa.

Western Iowa, which last week had been in dry conditions, are now in a moderate drought.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has an animation showing how drought conditions have steadily spread across the country since March.

Next Article State Lawmakers Approve Education Policy Deal

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.