Iowa saw major improvement in drought and water conditions during April after one of the wettest Aprils on record delivered much-needed rainfall across the state.
According to the latest Iowa Water Summary Update, most of Iowa has now returned to normal drought conditions following a month of heavy precipitation. Southeastern Iowa experienced some of the biggest improvements, while parts of northwestern Iowa continue to struggle with lingering dry conditions and remain under a drought watch.
Preliminary statewide data shows Iowa received 5.66 inches of precipitation in April — nearly two inches above normal. The month ranked as the sixth wettest April recorded in the state. Much of southeastern Iowa received at least five inches of rain, while only a small portion of northwestern Iowa remained below normal rainfall totals.
Temperatures during April also ran warmer than usual. The statewide average temperature was 52.3 degrees, about 3.7 degrees above normal, making it the 25th warmest April in 154 years of records. Southern Iowa experienced the warmest conditions.
The recent rainfall also helped improve streamflow levels and soil moisture across much of the state. Streamflows have largely returned to normal or above-normal conditions, although a few isolated areas in southern and eastern Iowa remain below normal. Soil moisture levels improved significantly statewide except in the northwest, where dry conditions continue.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows about 10 percent of Iowa is still experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse. Around 2 percent of the state remains under moderate or severe drought classifications.
Forecasters say drought conditions are expected to stay mostly under control across Iowa through the summer, though the far northwestern corner of the state could continue to see persistent dry conditions. The Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for May also points to the possibility of below-normal precipitation statewide.
Jessica Reese McIntyre, an environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said April’s rainfall brought continued relief to much of Iowa.
“A very wet April provided continued relief to most of the state, ranking as one of our wettest on record,” McIntyre said. “While we are seeing a trend of improvement and most regions are back to normal designations, we are keeping a close eye on northwest Iowa, where a drought watch remains in effect and conditions are expected to persist through the summer.”
More information and the full Iowa Water Summary Update are available through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Summary Update.
