Quad Cities, Iowa/Illinois – Drought conditions across the Midwest have expanded rapidly in just one week, with abnormally dry and drought-affected areas nearly doubling. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that drought coverage across the region increased from 19.63% to 36.93% since last week.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, overall drought and abnormally dry areas jumped by nearly 10%, covering more than a third of the Midwest. The latest maps show expanding areas of moderate to severe drought stretching from southern Iowa through central Illinois, with dry conditions also spreading across parts of Indiana and Wisconsin.
Farmers in Illinois and Iowa face the sharpest impacts as late-season crops suffer under shrinking soil moisture. Some counties are already reporting browning fields, reduced yields, and water supply stress. In central Illinois, conditions worsened from abnormally dry to moderate drought within a single week.
Officials warn the outlook could deteriorate further without significant rainfall. Residents are urged to conserve water and prepare for restrictions if the trend continues.
The drought monitor will issue its next update Thursday, with more expansion possible if current dry weather holds.
