Spring rainfall improves drought conditions across Iowa

DES MOINES — Drought conditions have improved across the state despite below-normal rainfall in April, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

After a wetter-than normal March, April saw below-average precipitation across all regions of the state. However, recent spring rains have helped alleviate drought and abnormally dry conditions across Iowa.

April’s average statewide precipitation was 3.33 inches, or 0.34 inches below normal. The state also experienced warmer weather, with statewide temperatures averaging 50 degrees, or 1.4 degrees warmer than normal.

At the end of April, Iowa’s Drought Plan dry conditions improved or remained the same in all drought regions except the southeast, which only degraded slightly.

A drought watch issued in March for the northeast region has been removed as severe drought has significantly decreased. Conditions remain stable in the other drought regions, with the entire state carrying a normal drought designation.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, just over half of Iowa continues to experience abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions.

The May precipitation outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicates a chance of below-average precipitation across the northeast and eastern half of the state, and an equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation for the rest of the state.

Reduced rainfall in May could raise concerns about deteriorating conditions.

“Drought and dry conditions improved across the state due to spring rain in March and April, but most notably in northeast, west, and central Iowa,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR environmental specialist.

“The drought watch issued in March for northeast Iowa has been removed. The National Weather Service precipitation outlooks predict an equal chance for the entire state for above, below, or normal precipitation for much of the state through July,”

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

This report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR — Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.