Northwest Iowa — For the first time since September, abnormally dry conditions have returned to this area, as well as other areas of Iowa, following a dry November, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa DNR.
Sheldon received only 0.09 inches of precipitation in November, much below the normal of 0.98 inches. The statewide average rainfall in November was 0.43-inches, well below the normal of 2.05-inches. However, streamflow levels are running at close to normal across much of the state. Groundwater conditions remain good in most locations statewide, with the exception of southeastern Iowa, where levels are rated in slight drought conditions.
Tim Hall, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Hydrology Resource Coordinator, says November ranks as the 15th lowest November total for precipitation among 145 years of records and the lowest calendar month total for any month since November 2007.
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.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
