September was warmer and drier than normal for Iowa, while October continued dry with a mix of warmer and colder-than-average days.

Above normal amounts of rain in September were confined mainly to parts of south-central and southeastern Iowa, while many of the driest locations re­ceived less than 1 inch of rainfall. Statewide average precipitation was only around 53% of normal. 

Through most of October, precipitation was light in most of the state, with many areas reporting well less than one-half inch. Some greater rainfall occurred later in October, but only in isolated areas. 

This weather pattern allowed harvest and other...