To counter with the post on yearly rainfall deficits across the region and the state, here’s the image of rainfall deficits since June 1st (the start of Meteorological summer). Notice only 5 locations of our 89 have received more than their average for the period June 1st-July 15th, while more than half haven’t even received half of their average total. Cedar Rapids has only had just under 25% of their average, Iowa City 23.7%, Dubuque 23.4% and Marshalltown takes the title in Iowa with only 12.6% of their summer rainfall having been received. In Indiana, where the drought is much worse, they hold 3 of the 4 lowest percentages. Fort Wayne at 11.2%, Terre Haute at 9.1% and Indianapolis at a scant 1.4% (only .09 has fallen there since June 1st. They’re supposed to have 6.64 by between June 1st and July 15th). That’s really dry!

The new drought monitor comes out Thursday morning and with only spotty chances of rain over the next few days, it doesn’t look to improve any.

CHART: The first number is actual rainfall since June 1st through July 15th (Sunday). The second number is the average rainfall from June 1st-July 15th, third number is the percent of rainfall to average, fourth number is the percent of rain up to and through July 15th.