Iowa’s nine-week drought-free streak has ended following a dry September, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Below-average rainfall that began in August and continued through September led to the return of drought conditions in eastern Iowa and the spread of abnormally dry areas across the northwest, south, and east. Statewide precipitation totaled only 1.70 inches in September, about 1.78 inches below normal, with some areas recording deficits of two inches or more. Average temperatures reached 67.1 degrees, or 3.4 degrees above normal, with the warmest readings in central and northwest Iowa. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately half of the state is now experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and a small section in eastern Iowa is experiencing moderate drought conditions. DNR Environmental Specialist Jessica Reese-McIntyre says, “Dry conditions have returned to half of the state, and the drought-free streak broke in early October as we head into the typically drier seasons. While there are no drought watch designations in effect currently, the latest seasonal outlooks indicate the potential for drought development in southeastern Iowa this fall.” A link to the September 2025 report is included with this story on our website. The Water Summary Update is prepared monthly by technical staff from Iowa 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.
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