DES MOINES – Drought conditions have slightly expanded in central Iowa and a small area in eastern Iowa due to below-normal precipitation in February, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
February’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 0.42 inches, or 0.75 inches below normal. The state’s average snowfall for February was nearly two inches below normal, despite colder temperatures. The winter months are typically the driest in Iowa.
At the end of February, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed conditions degrading in the northern three drought regions, resulting in a drought watch designation. Meanwhile, drought conditions remain stable in the two southern drought regions, with a normal drought watch designation. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) continues to show over three-quarters of Iowa carrying abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions, with a small area of northwest Iowa in severe drought.
Precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicate a slight chance for above-average precipitation for the eastern half of the state. If the outlook holds true, that portion of Iowa could see improved conditions going into April.
“We saw an expansion of the Moderate Drought designation in central Iowa and a small part of eastern Iowa due to an unseasonably dry January and February. The rest of the state maintains stable drought conditions as we emerge from the winter months, which are typically the driest months of the year. The National Weather Service precipitation outlooks are promising for the eastern half of the state in March, which may receive slightly above-normal precipitation, while western Iowa could see average precipitation levels,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit
www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The 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.