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Wet January Suggests Iowa’s On Track For Lessening Drought Conditions

The January Water Summary Update for Iowa shows Iowa started 2023 on a wetter track than usual. Statewide precipitation averaged 1.82, which is more than double the normal moisture level for January. Additionally, all of Iowa’s reporting stations recorded, at a minimum, near to above-normal precipitation. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “January was the third month in a row of above-normal moisture for Iowa, which is the trend we need to see. Continued wetter-than-normal conditions are needed throughout the winter and spring months to significantly improve drought conditions in Iowa. Average monthly precipitation typically increases each month until July, so we are hoping to see diminishing drought designation in the months ahead.” Unfortunately, ratings from the U.S. Drought Monitor were essentially unchanged, with nearly all of the state experiencing some form of dryness. Northwest Iowa remains the hardest hit, with exceptional drought recorded in Woodbury and Monona Counties and extreme drought in more than a dozen other counties. The monthly Water Summary Update is prepared by technical staff from the DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, and several other agencies. A link to the full report is included below.

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www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate

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