(Des Moines) Dry conditions are expanding across the state of Iowa, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Jeff Zogg with the National Weather Service in Des Moines points to the driest conditions in northwest Iowa, where severe drought conditions exist. Zogg says the moderate drought conditions expanded quite a bit over the past week, taking in the northern third to the northern half of the state, while much of the state is under abnormally dry conditions. “Currently, the jet stream is stationed south of Iowa, and we have a northwesterly flow in the upper levels of the atmosphere,” said Zogg. “This is allowing dry and cool air to come down from the northwest causing the cool conditions we’re experiencing. It’s also dry and not conducive to widespread heavy rainfall, and it looks like it will continue for a while.”
Zogg says there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend, from Saturday evening into Sunday. He says the forecast gives southern Iowa the best chance for rain. Zogg doesn’t see a lot of heavy rainfall with this system, and certainly not enough to end the drought. “We need some heavy widespread rainfall to put a dent in this drought,” said Zogg.
“It should be noted that since it’s taken some time getting into this drought, particularly in northwest Iowa, it’s going to take some time to get out of it,” said Zogg. “A little bit of rain here is definitely going to help, but it’s not going to end the drought. We’re going to need repeated periods of moderate to heavy rainfall to make a dent in these dry conditions.
