Photo: US Drought Monitor
(Undated) -- Dry conditions are persisting in the Quad Cities. This week's U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening conditions in both Illinois and Iowa. Nearly 70-percent of Illinois is either abnormally dry or in some level of drought. Northern Illinois is experiencing moderate to severe drought. Southern Illinois is drought-free.
Nearly all of Iowa is either abnormally dry or in some level of drought. Rain is not in the immediate forecast for either state.
The National Weather Service in Iowa has posted a Red Flag Warning for nearly all of Iowa, due to dry, windy conditions. Fifty-nine counties are under burn bans.
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities has issued the following statement:
..Very High Cropland Fire Danger Today...
Cured or dry crops, low relative humidity, and gusty south winds
between 20 to 30 mph will lead to very high fire danger this
afternoon. If fires were to develop, they could spread quickly and
be difficult to extinguish.
Avoid brush or grass burning today, use extra caution with farm and
outdoor equipment, and do not carelessly discard cigarettes.