The recent U-S Drought Monitor report shows abnormally dry conditions in about 35 percent of the state, with eight west-central counties classified as being in moderate drought. Iowa D-N-R analyst Tim Hall says the state remains in contrast when it comes to water conditions.

He says a slow, steady rain would be the most helpful right now.  Hall says the longer the drought continues, the more you have to worry about the time it takes to come out of it.

Hall says the rains can also be sporadic this time of year and help one area agriculturally — while leaving another area still in need of rain.