Spencer, IA (NorthwestIowaNow) — The latest USDA Drought Monitor was released today (Thursday), and conditions across the listening area continue to improve.

All of Osceola, O’Brien, Dickinson, Clay, and Emmet counties are now classified as D0 (Abnormally Dry).

Meanwhile, small portions of Cherokee and Palo Alto counties remain in D1 (Moderate Drought).

All of Pocahontas County, along with roughly half of Buena Vista County, is currently free of any drought.

It will be interesting to see next week’s update, as very little, if any, rain is expected in the seven-day forecast heading into this weekend and much of next week. With limited rainfall and hot conditions expected over the coming week, we’ll be closely monitoring drought conditions across the region.