(Des Moines) According to the latest water summary update, the above-normal rainfall helped improve drought conditions across many areas of Iowa, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state.
Tim Hall, DNR’s coordinator for hydrology resources, said one month ago, 90-percent of the state suffered drought conditions, compared to 62-percent at the beginning of April. “The southern tiers of counties have all come out of the drought category,” said Hall. “Southwest Iowa is showing no drought or dryness conditions. Northeast Iowa is experiencing a significant drop in drought conditions.”
Hall says one troubling spot is in Monona, and parts of Pottawattamie County are listed in the severe drought category. “This represents about two-and-half percent of the state, but it’s creeping into the area, and we’re keeping an eye on this,’ said Hall.
Hall says precipitation totals in March were above average, needed across the state. He says we’re entering into what is usually the wettest three-month period in the state. If we continue to get above-average rainfall through June, we should see a reduction in drought conditions moving into the growing season.”
Streamflow levels are normal across much of the state, with lower flows in northern and western Iowa.
