The area of severe drought has expanded in the west central Iowa region according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report.

The weekly report shows that Greene and Guthrie counties continue to be entirely under severe drought conditions, with most of Dallas County also experiencing severe drought with the southeast corner experiencing moderate drought. Impacts reported for those experiencing severe drought include commodity shortages, stressed livestock, high fire danger, and fewer mosquitoes observed. Voluntary water conservation is also requested as low surface water levels are causing an increase in algae blooms. The estimated population of Iowans living in drought areas increased this week from 913,633 to 1,032,052.