July ended with Iowa continuing to grapple with dry conditions, receiving only 3.10 inches of rain, more than an inch below the expected norm. This marks the fifth consecutive month of less-than-normal rainfall in the state. The Iowa Drought Plan has classified four out of five regions in the state as being in “drought watch.” The U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that nearly all of Iowa is facing some level of dryness or drought, with over half of the state experiencing moderate drought conditions. Over the past five months, Iowa has received just over a foot of rain, accounting for only 67 percent of the usual 18 inches. Despite southwest Iowa ending July with an average rainfall of 4.45 inches, the overall trend remains concerning. Tim Hall, the coordinator of hydrology resources at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says, “After a dry spring and early summer the hope was for a return to normal rainfall in July, but that was not the case. Normal monthly rainfall declines as we move through summer and into fall, so the opportunities for getting out of drought this year become more limited, but not impossible, as time passes.” For a comprehensive analysis of Iowa’s water resource trends, interested individuals can visit www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate. The report is prepared collaboratively by technical staff from various departments and organizations, including the Iowa DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, U.S. Geological Survey, and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
