DES MOINES— Increased precipitation in March brought relief from the abnormally dry start to the year and ended moderate drought conditions that had been creeping into southern Iowa.
Overall, March averaged a little warmer and wetter than usual. The most significant aspect of March weather was an extended period of cloudy and wet weather that began on March 23 and extended into the first few days of April.
The stream flow index dipped below normal for the first time since last summer, but has risen to above just normal and continues to rise as the recent rains make their way through the state’s streams.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by the technical staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.