Iowa is officially drought-free for the first time in more than a year, following a wetter-than-average October, according to the latest Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Summary Update.
The U.S. Drought Monitor report released November 12 confirms that all of Iowa is now free from drought and abnormal dryness. This marks the first time since August 26, 2025, that the entire state has been without any drought designation.
October rainfall helped eliminate the remaining areas of moderate drought and abnormal dryness in northwestern Iowa. Statewide precipitation totaled 2.88 inches, which was 0.19 inches above normal and ranked as the 59th wettest October on record.
Iowa also experienced unusually warm temperatures. The statewide average temperature reached 59.2 degrees, or 8.2 degrees above normal, tying October 1900 as the fourth-warmest October in 154 years of recorded data.
River conditions also improved, with most streamflow monitoring stations reporting normal to well-above-normal levels. Soil moisture conditions remained similar to September.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service’s November outlook favors above-normal precipitation and warmer-than-average temperatures across Iowa. The Seasonal Drought Outlook through January 31, 2027, projects that the state will remain drought-free.
Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist, said above-normal precipitation throughout October eliminated the state’s remaining dry areas. All five of Iowa’s drought regions are now classified as normal.
For additional information and a complete review of Iowa’s water conditions, visit the Iowa DNR’s Water Summary Update.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Drought Monitor.
