According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, extreme drought has spread throughout the region.

Most of Marion County is now listed under the extreme condition, with worsening conditions spreading through most of Warren and Mahaska Counties as well. Much-needed rainfall is in the forecast today and tomorrow, with 1-2″ possible by Sunday morning, with most precipitation expected today through Saturday afternoon. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report does not include the one-to-three inches of rain that fell Tuesday night into Wednesday morning throughout the county, and all of this week’s precipitation will be included in next week’s report.

According to the National Weather Service Palmer Drought Index, 9-12″ of rain has to fall in the region over a four week period to bust out of the current drought.