According to the latest Water Summary Update, February marked a record-setting month in Iowa. Data show that February ranked among the top two warmest, top three driest, and top five least snowy months on record. The overall winter temperatures also ranked among the top five warmest ever recorded, with February’s statewide average temperature 12 degrees above the normal range. The preliminary data for February’s statewide average precipitation revealed a meager 0.21 inches, falling nearly an inch short of the normal levels. As of the end of February, Iowa’s Drought Plan reported generally stable conditions across the state, with regions in the northeast and south under a drought watch designation. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “A very dry February has wiped out much of the benefit received from the wet January. The encouraging trend that started the winter has not continued. March through June are critical months for water resources in Iowa, and normal to above normal rainfall is critical this year especially.” Over the past year, Iowa experienced precipitation levels more than 8.5 inches below normal, marking 200 consecutive weeks of dry or drought conditions. Historically, the state sees increased snow and rain toward the end of winter and into spring, and another dry year would be particularly challenging for Iowans. The Water Summary Update is prepared monthly by staff from the DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. A link to the complete February 2024 report is included below.
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