NL area records low snowfall totals

During the winter one concentrates on snow and ice forecasts. Highway and home safety are major concerns. The ability to commute to work is foremost as one plans travel. It is important to remember that the success of Iowa’s agriculture is dependent on the amount of water the water table receives during the winter. The prospect is sobering for spring. Southeast Iowa is expected to receive less than one quarter inch of water in the next two weeks.

Muscatine Iowa Weather StormTeam notes that this winter is one of the least snowy in our region. Thus far this season, Muscatine has received 5 inches of snow, followed by Davenport with 3.2 inches, Burlington with 5 inches, Fort Madison with 3.8 inches, Cedar Rapids with 4.9 inches, Dubuque with 5.9 inches, and Iowa City with 3.3 inches.

Previous years of low snowfall included 1936-37, 4.9 inches, 1921-22, 6.0 inches, 1898-99, 6.8 inches, 1927-28, 7.8 inches, 1889-90, 8.1 inches. Using average figures, the area should be at 12.8 inches at this time of the winter. On average, snowfall is 31.6 inches.

The current map of Iowa drought conditions shows Henry County on the borderline. No drought and abnormally dry conditions split the county. Looking at the entire map, a large part of the state faces moderate drought. Snowfall is needed throughout the state to ensure proper germination and early growth of crops.