As we wind down August, drought conditions continue, but show improvement in the Raccoon River Valley area.

According to the US Drought Monitor, nearly half of Greene County, from the northwest corner to the southeast corner are still in a moderate drought. However, the other half is now abnormally dry. Dallas County only has the southeastern quarter under a moderate drought, while the rest of the county is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Guthrie County saw the biggest improvement, with three-quarters of the county under abnormally dry conditions, while the northwestern corner is no longer experiencing drought conditions.

The improvement in drought conditions is due in large part to several days of precipitation. According to the National Weather Service as of Thursday, Perry has seen 1.33-inches of precipitation this week. Guthrie Center reports 6.61-inches of precipitation this week. No information was available for Jefferson.