(Des Moines) State officials have issued drought watches for northwest and southeast Iowa after a dry winter with limited rain and snowfall.
According to the latest Water Summary Update, Iowa recorded 0.38 inches of precipitation in February, which is 0.79 inches below normal. Soil moisture levels have continued to decline statewide, and much of Iowa is currently listed as abnormally dry or in drought conditions by the U.S. Drought Monitor, with parts of southeast Iowa in severe drought.
The state received some relief late last week when a storm system swept through much of Iowa. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service outlook for March calls for above-average precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures. Seasonal forecasts suggest drought may continue in far northwest Iowa, while conditions could improve across the rest of the state.
“Following a winter of persistent moisture deficits, Drought Regions in northwest and southeastern Iowa are now under a drought watch. The lack of both precipitation and a significant snowpack has led to substantial soil drying across the state. While the seasonal outlook predicts drought will persist in far Northwest Iowa through May, the rest of the state shows a favorable trend for improvement,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.
The report is prepared 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.
