Drought continues to spread as rainfall deficits continue to climb throughout Marion County and south central Iowa.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to severe drought conditions exist throughout the entire region. Severe drought has spread to most of Marion and Mahaska Counties and to all of Lucas and Monroe Counties.

Despite two to three tenths of an inche of rain falling throughout most of the region Thursday morning, additional significant moisture is not in the forecast over the next ten days, according to the National Weather Service, with the next best chance coming overnight Saturday into Sunday. In order for the area to get back to near-normal or wetter conditions, it would need 9-to-12 inches of precipitation in the next four weeks.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for the latest drought information.