It may seem rough outside now during this heat wave but if we think back to this time last year, temperatures and drought conditions were even worse.

State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says the relatively cool temperatures, up until recently, have helped keep the drought at a moderate level.

“We’re better off as far as drought goes, mainly because of duration has not been nearly as long so far this year.  Also, until just now, just recently we’ve had very little in the way of excessive heat.  You can get by with relatively little rain as long as things don’t get to the mid or upper 90s and higher, because that results in a lot of water need” says Hillaker.

This time last year the Raccoon River Valley area was experiencing severe and extreme drought conditions, where this year we’re only at the moderate level.

“Most of Iowa has been pretty dry now for about two months” says Hillaker.  “Quite a contrast to what we had going on last year when we actually had drought conditions start the summer of 2011 and were on going for over a year by the time we got to this point last year.”

For more with state climatologist Harry Hillaker, tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County on AM 1310 KDLS during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours.