Dry conditions that began in September 2002 and continued through 2003, manifested into a moderate to severe drought at the start of August 2003 which is a crucial time for soybean development and corn in filling out the ears with large kernels.  The last significant widespread rainfall in Eastern Iowa occurred on July 20th with general rainfalls of around an inch.  According to data from the Iowa State Climatologist, August 2003 was the driest on record with an statewide average of only 0.96 inches of rainfall, which was 3.23 inches below the normal for August.  Hot and humid conditions arrived for the second half of August placing extreme stress on crops that were already suffering from a lack of rainfall.  Earlier predictions of a near record or record harvest fell by the wayside by late August.  Estimates of yield reduction were 10% for the corn crop, or about $85.8 million.  Soybean loses were estimated at 30%, or about $226.7 million.

Drought in DES MOINES, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in DELAWARE, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in DUBUQUE, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in LINN, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in MUSCATINE, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in SCOTT, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in JEFFERSON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in IOWA, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in JACKSON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in BUCHANAN, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in KEOKUK, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in CLINTON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in LOUISA, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in LEE, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in JOHNSON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in JONES, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in CEDAR, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in VAN BUREN, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in WASHINGTON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in HENRY, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in BENTON, IOWA
From 01-AUG-03 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-03 23:59:00 (CST)
Crop damage: 14.88M
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL