DES MOINES – Drought conditions have improved in northwest, western, and central Iowa due to above-normal precipitation in March, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
After a very dry January and February, March rebounded with above-normal rainfall, which helped improve some of the drought conditions across Iowa. March’s average statewide precipitation was 2.57 inches, or 0.58 inches above normal. The state’s average snowfall for March was nearly three-quarters of an inch below normal, while statewide temperatures were just over six degrees warmer than normal.
At the end of March, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed improving conditions in the northwestern and central drought regions. However, northeastern Iowa remains under a drought watch designation, with most of this area carrying a severe drought designation. In the two southern drought regions, conditions remain stable, with a normal drought designation.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), more than three-quarters of Iowa continues to experience abnormally dry or drought conditions. While recent rains have improved conditions, additional above-normal precipitation would further alleviate drought across Iowa.
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. This does not increase concerns for drought unless the state experiences below-normal precipitation during the spring months.
“Despite an unseasonably dry January and February, the above-average rainfall in March improved conditions across the state, but most notably in northwest, west, and central Iowa. Northeast Iowa remains 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,” 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.