Below-average rainfall extends Iowa drought area

DES MOINES — Drought conditions have expanded across the state due to below-normal precipitation in May, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

After a drier-than-normal April, May saw decreased rainfall across all regions of the state, resulting in an increase in drought and abnormally dry conditions.

While early rainstorms initially helped maintain stable dry conditions, lower rainfall amounts later in the month resulted in deteriorating conditions across Iowa.

May’s average statewide precipitation was 2.80 inches, 2.04 inches below normal. The state experienced slightly warmer weather, with statewide temperature averaging a normal 60 degrees.

At the end of May, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed degrading conditions across the state except in the central drought region. However, Western Iowa now carries a drought watch designation.

The remaining drought regions remain under a normal drought designation.

According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 80% of Iowa continues to experience abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions.

The June precipitation outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicates an equal chance for above-, below- or near-average precipitation across the state, but also an elevated likelihood of above-normal temperatures.

Warmer air holds more moisture and could increase concerns for widespread drought if the state experiences below-normal rainfall during June.

“Despite above-average rainfall in March and nearly average amounts in April, May saw below-normal totals, which expanded drought conditions across the state, but most notably in Western and southeastern Iowa,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR environmental specialist.

“Western Iowa is now under a drought watch as D1 — Severe Drought persists. The National Weather Service precipitation outlooks predict an equal chance for the entire state for above, below, or normal precipitation through June,” McIntyre said.