Iowa wrapped up its 2026 water year with above-normal precipitation for the third consecutive year, while recent rainfall helped improve drought conditions across the state.
According to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the water year ran from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and finished with a statewide precipitation surplus of 2.82 inches.
September rainfall played a major role in the year’s final numbers. The state averaged 7.83 inches of precipitation during the month, nearly 4.35 inches above normal, making it the fourth-wettest September on record.
Temperatures were also warmer than usual. September’s average temperature was 68.3 degrees, or 4.6 degrees above normal, ranking it as the ninth-warmest September on record.
For the entire 12-month period, Iowa received an average of 38.37 inches of precipitation, ranking the 2026 water year as the 20th-wettest on record. The state’s average annual temperature reached 51.3 degrees, 3.1 degrees above normal, making it the fifth-warmest water year recorded.
The additional moisture also brought significant improvements in drought conditions. All five of Iowa’s drought regions have returned to normal designations under the state’s Drought Plan.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought conditions at their lowest levels since October 2025. Recent rainfall eliminated severe drought and removed moderate drought across most of Iowa, leaving just over one percent of the state classified as abnormally dry.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal drought outlook also indicates that remaining drought conditions in western Iowa are likely to disappear by the end of December, with the state expected to remain drought-free.
“The 2026 water year ended on a very positive note,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, an environmental specialist with the Iowa DNR. She noted that the wet September helped produce the state’s third consecutive year of precipitation surpluses and returned all five drought regions to normal conditions.
Residents can find additional information about Iowa’s precipitation, drought conditions and water resources in the latest Water Summary Update at iowadnr.gov/water-summary-update.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Water Summary Update.
