Drought monitor 4-19

Conditions have improved greatly over the last week according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Just over five percent of the state still suffers severe condition, approximately 35.5% remains in the moderate drought distinction, more than 12% has improved to the abnormally dry category, which now accounts for close to 38% of the state, and almost 21.5% now suffers no drought conditions at all. Marion and Jasper counties have improved to abnormally dry, while Mahaska county is split between the severe conditions in the southeast, while the northwest half suffers from moderate drought conditions.