Iowa ended August drier than normal, but the state remains free of drought, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After a wetter-than-average July helped erase drought conditions, rainfall slowed in August, especially in southern Iowa. The state recorded 3.40 inches of precipitation last month, 0.73 inches below normal. Average statewide temperatures came in at 71 degrees, even with the norm for August. DNR Environmental Specialist Jessica Reese McIntyre says, “Coasting on a very wet July and despite drier conditions in August, the state is experiencing largely normal conditions. No drought watch designations are in effect for the entire state. The latest seasonal outlooks indicate potential for no drought development for most of the state, except for a small pocket along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. Some areas in southern Iowa will likely see dry conditions return this fall.” According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, less than five percent of the state is considered abnormally dry. The Climate Prediction Center outlook for September calls for warmer-than-normal temperatures with equal chances for above, below, or near-average rainfall. The Water Summary Update is prepared monthly by technical staff from the DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. The complete August report is included with this story on our website.
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https://www.iowadnr.gov/water-summary-update
