After well above-average precipitation in June, July was much drier throughout southeast Iowa.

The National Weather Service observed 2.64 inches of precipitation in Washington in July, below the average of 4.31 inches for the month. Abnormally dry conditions persist in Washington County and Louisa County, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with moderate drought conditions spreading in Keokuk, Jefferson, and Henry Counties. To our west, the National Weather Service reports with a total of only 0.38″ of rain, 2018 goes down as the 2nd-driest July in Des Moines since 1900. The only one drier was 1975.