(Radio Iowa) -The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration predicts dry conditions will continue for western Iowa and expand eastward. Meteorologist Adam Hartman authored the report. “Much of what I leaned on was the below normal soil moisture anomalies that are currently in place across the state along with the long term dryness. In addition to, we are in La Niña,” he says.

La Niña weather conditions are a climate pattern that produces drier days. U-S Ag Department meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says the weather’s impact on crops depends largely on the timing of the heat waves.

“Especially since crops are going in a little bit late this year. And so if heat and dryness expand at the wrong time, for example, corn and soybeans that could have an effect on some of the summer crops,” Rippey says. Much of the northwest region of the state is already experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Woodbury, Plymouth and Monona counties face severe drought.