DES MOINES – Continued precipitation deficits through the autumn months have resulted in a drought watch designation for three of the state’s Drought Regions, according to the latest monthly Water Summary Update.
Iowa continued to see below-average precipitation during the fall, which has led to the re-emergence and expansion of drought conditions across much of the state, particularly in areas of eastern and northwestern Iowa.
November’s statewide precipitation averaged 1.57 inches, which was only 0.25 inches below the monthly normal. However, the state received notable snowfall at the end of the month. Preliminary average snowfall for November was 8.6 inches, or 5.9 inches above average. This ranks as the fifth snowiest November in 138 years of records for Iowa.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) currently shows that two-thirds of Iowa is abnormally dry, with moderate drought impacting both the eastern and northwestern regions. According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, most of the state saw worsening conditions due to widespread precipitation deficits. As a result, portions of northwest and all of eastern Iowa carry a drought watch designation. Conditions remained mostly stable in central and southwestern Iowa.
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s December outlook indicates a potential for below-normal precipitation across the southwestern half of the state and an increased likelihood of colder-than-average temperatures. The seasonal outlook suggests that existing drought conditions will persist through the winter, with the exception of southeast Iowa, where there is a potential for drought relief.
“After months of below-normal rainfall, dry conditions have expanded across much of Iowa, resulting in drought watch designation for Drought Regions 1, 3, and 5,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist. “As we enter the driest part of the year, the long-term outlook raises the concern of drought persistence through February.”
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.