Des Moines, Iowa — Last month was the 15th wettest September on record for Iowa, removing all drought designations from the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
The drier summer months have been offset by a very wet September, according to Tim Hall, DNR’s coordinator of hydrology resources. He says these conditions mean that we are headed into winter in good shape from a groundwater perspective.
While these conditions are good for the overall water supply as Iowa heads into the winter, continued saturated soils continue to make the state vulnerable to flooding conditions should fall rains become more pronounced.
Statewide average rainfall totaled 6.17 inches, or 2.79 inches above normal, tying 1887 for the 15th wettest September on record. Precipitation totals for the month varied from 2.44 inches at Sheldon to nearly 14 inches in Dubuque.
Iowa temperatures averaged 68.2 degrees, or 5 degrees above normal, making this September the ninth warmest on record. The highest September temperature was recorded at 93 degrees throughout south central Iowa. Estherville reported the month’s lowest temperature of 41 degrees, only 2 degrees below average.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
