All regions of Iowa previously under drought watch have had those designations lifted despite mild precipitation deficits and lingering dry soils in parts of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update. The January report shows Iowa received a preliminary statewide average of 0.93 inches of precipitation, about 0.04 inches below normal. The driest conditions were reported in northwest Iowa, which received about a third of its normal precipitation for the month. The preliminary statewide average January temperature was 19.3 degrees, two-tenths of a degree below normal. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows about half of Iowa is classified as abnormally dry, with a persistent area of moderate drought in far northwestern Iowa. As for the listening area, only the southeastern third of Guthrie County has any dryness concerns, falling into the lowest risk category. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center projects equal chances for above-, below-, or near-normal precipitation statewide in February, along with an increased likelihood of below-average temperatures. Seasonal outlooks suggest drought may persist in far northwest Iowa, with no new drought development expected elsewhere. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Specialist Jessica Reese McIntyre says, “January is climatologically the driest month of the year, and soil moisture deficits remain from months of drier-than-normal conditions. However, improved conditions, such as streamflow, aided in lifting all drought watches from the state.” The report is prepared monthly by technical staff from the DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. The complete January 2026 Iowa Water Summary Update is included below.
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