Marion, Mahaska, and Jasper counties all remain in the severe drought category according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released this week. Approximately 20% of Iowa also falls into that distinction, while ⅓ of the state is moderately dry, and 24% is abnormally dry. A little more than 23% is no longer suffering any drought conditions at all. That number has more than quadrupled since October 1st.