DROUGHT WATCH: Snow Improves Drought Ratings

A new report shows the latest snow storm is helping to ease Iowa’s drought.

The amount of the state rated as extreme or exceptional drought decreased by 9 percentage points this week.

About one percent of the state is in exceptional drought, which is the worst rating. That includes portions of Lyon, Sioux, Plymouth, Woodbury counties in northwest Iowa.

Another 32 percent of the state is in extreme drought, the second worst rating.

The rest of the state has either a severe or moderate drought rating.  Much of central Iowa including Polk County is still in severe drought.

The report is put out weekly by the USDA and the National Weather Service.