The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening drought conditions in Iowa. On Thursday, new data showed a nearly 35% increase in areas considered abnormally dry, including much of central Iowa in the last week. Two areas of northern Iowa counties are considered to be in moderate drought, while a pocket of northwest Iowa counties is in severe drought. Those areas grew by nearly 7%.

Counties in far southeast and far southwest Iowa show normal conditions as farmers are working to plant crops. The U.S. Drought Monitor releases new information on soil conditions each Thursday.