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Des Moines, Iowa — January’s above-normal snowfall has improved drought conditions across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR says the state in January saw 1.97 inches of precipitation, more than twice the normal amount for the month. The state has received above-average precipitation in three of the last four months. Since October 2023 statewide precipitation has been 7.24 inches, or 106 percent of normal.
At the end of January, Iowa’s Drought Plan is showing improvement and stabilization of drought conditions across much of the state. Northwest and north central Iowa show normal conditions, while the rest of the state carries drought watch designations. Areas of the state under drought warning at the end of December have had those designations removed.
Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, says that January’s double normal moisture has really helped to improve drought conditions across most of Iowa. He says that the wet October, December, and now January is a very encouraging trend. In addition, the lack of deeply frozen soil has helped melted snow water to soak into the ground, and as a result, we have seen almost no flooding conditions. He says, “We are heading in the right direction to improve conditions as we move into spring.”
The state typically sees increased precipitation, whether rain or snow, during the late winter and spring months. Normal to above-normal rainfall amounts will likely help improve drought conditions in the state.
Checking the latest Drought Monitor report from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, shows that most of the four northwesternmost Iowa counties are only in the category, “abnormally dry.” There is a small patch of southeastern O’Brien County that is showing normal conditions, and a somewhat larger patch, covering about the northwest third of Lyon County and a small tip of extreme northwestern Sioux County that is in the category, “moderate drought.” Northwest Iowa appears to be doing quite well compared to other areas of the state, much of which is in severe drought. A sizable portion of the northeastern quadrant of the state is even in the “extreme drought” category, according to the drought monitor.
