Above-normal rainfall in March provided relief to some drought-stricken parts of Iowa following one of the driest Februarys on record, according to the latest Water Summary Update. March’s precipitation totaled 2.50 inches, exceeding the average by 0.51 inches. The state’s Drought Plan indicated overall improvement, although northeast and southern Iowa remain under a drought watch designation. March’s statewide temperature was nearly five degrees above normal, and the increase in precipitation has positively impacted streamflow and soil moisture levels. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “March begins a stretch of normally wet months in Iowa, so a wetter than normal March is a good thing. Four years of drought will not be eliminated in just a month or two. March through June are critical months for water resources in Iowa, and a wetter than normal start to this time period is encouraging.” Despite recent improvements, Iowa still faces challenges, with precipitation for the past year standing at 7.5 inches below normal and 204 consecutive weeks of dry or drought conditions. The Water Summary Update is prepared monthly by technical staff from the Iowa DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, U.S. Geological Survey, and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. The full March report is included below.
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www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate