Despite a welcome uptick in rainfall in December, Iowa continues to grapple with dry conditions as the year ended, according to the latest Water Summary Update. December’s precipitation totaled 1.79 inches, exceeding the average by 0.42 inches, making it the fourth month in 2023 with above-average rainfall. However, Iowa concluded the year with a statewide average precipitation of only 26.82 inches, 8.73 inches below the usual mark. Over the past three years, certain regions in east central Iowa have faced rainfall deficits nearing 25 inches. Heading into 2024, Iowa’s Drought Plan signals some improvement, especially in northwest Iowa, showcasing the best conditions statewide. While conditions in northern, central, and northeast Iowa have improved, they maintain a drought watch designation. The southern half of the state remains under a drought warning. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “Nearly all of Iowa is in some form of drought or dryness, but the wetter than normal December along with the current wetter than normal start to January is moving conditions in the right direction. Frozen soils and winter weather tend to keep drought conditions from changing much, but we are heading in the direction to improve conditions in the early spring.” The entire December Water Summary Update is included below this story. The report is generated in collaboration with technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
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www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate