DES MOINES – Despite a drier-than-normal August, Iowa remains drought-free, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
After a wetter-than-normal July improved drought and dry conditions across the state, August saw a return of drier weather. After three consecutive weeks with no drought or abnormally dry conditions, reduced rainfall during August led to the return of dry conditions in portions of southern Iowa this week. However, the state remains drought-free.
At the end of August, Iowa’s statewide precipitation totaled 3.40 inches, or 0.73 inches below normal. Statewide temperatures averaged 71.0 degrees, or equal to the 30-year climatological average, with some pockets of cooler conditions in western and southern Iowa.
According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, overall conditions remained stable statewide. All drought regions carry a normal drought designation. According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), less than five percent of Iowa is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s September outlook indicates an equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation and warmer temperatures across the entire state. Warmer air holds more moisture and could increase concerns for drought returning, especially in southern Iowa, if the state experiences below-normal rainfall during September.
“Coasting on a very wet July and despite drier conditions in August, the state is experiencing largely normal conditions. No drought watch designations are in effect for the entire state. The latest seasonal outlooks indicate potential for no drought development for most of the state, except for a small pocket along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. Some areas in southern Iowa will likely see dry conditions return this fall,” 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.