DES MOINES — Overall conditions continue to be stable across the state through a warm transition into winter and precipitation is running high due to a very wet November.
Every reporting point in the state recorded above normal precipitation with monthly totals varying from 2.52 inches to 7.56 inches. The wet fall has helped to replenish groundwater supplies across the state and streamflow is now running above normal. As we head into the three driest months of the year, streamflow levels should fall.
Normally, there would be some ground frost by this time of year, however this season’s warmer than normal temperatures have delayed the onset of frost. Soil temperatures range from the upper 30 to 40 degrees, with no frost in the ground at any of the reporting stations.
There has been much discussion this fall about the strong El Nino pattern in the Pacific Ocean and we are seeing the anticipated above normal temperatures across Iowa.
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.