If you’ve noticed the lack of precipitation over the last several weeks (outside the heavy flooding rain event in Dubuque a few weeks ago), you’re not alone. Moderate drought as now set in across the southeastern counties of the state with more than half the state being abnormally dry. This is the first time since September 2009 that part of the state has had moderate drought (Sept 29th .92%) It is the most area covered by moderate drought since August 21st 2007 when over 10% of the state was in moderate drought (earlier that month there was severe drought as well). Given the forecast, drought conditions may continue for several weeks with only slight chances at rainfall next week.