According to the latest Water Summary Update, last month was the sixth driest February on record. The report is compiled by staff from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, U.S. Geological Survey, and other agencies. Drought remains a serious concern throughout the state as planting season begins in earnest in just over a month. Precipitation for the month averaged 0.27 inches, nearly an inch below normal. About 90 percent of Iowa was experiencing some form of dryness or drought at the end of February. DNR Hydrology Resources Coordinator, Tim Hall, says, “Precipitation totals in February were disappointing, so instead of steady or improving conditions, we saw expansion of drought conditions in the state. However, the first week of March saw over twice the amount of rain as the entire month of February, so that is encouraging.” If Iowa experiences near normal precipitation levels in March and April, Hall suggests there is ample time for conditions to improve as the growing season approaches. A full copy of the report can be found included below.
_____
www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate
