According to the latest Water Summary Update, a wetter-than-usual April led to significant improvement in drought conditions throughout the state. Preliminary data indicates that statewide precipitation for April was 4.16 inches, surpassing the normal average by nearly 0.5 inches. The Iowa Drought Plan highlights an overall improvement in drought conditions statewide, with northeast and southern Iowa regions still under a “drought watch” designation. For the first time in nearly two years, no areas in Iowa are categorized as experiencing D3, or extreme drought, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. While the recent rainfall has led to marked improvements, some parts of the state, particularly in eastern Iowa, still grapple with drought classifications due to persistent precipitation deficits over the past year. Despite progress, Iowa has recorded 209 consecutive weeks of dryness or drought conditions. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “April is normally a wet month, so a wetter than normal April is certainly welcome. Four years of drought will not be eliminated in just a month or two, but progress is being seen. We are in the critical months for water resources in Iowa, and a wetter-than-normal trend is encouraging.” A link to the complete April Water Summary Update is included with this story on our website. The report is a collaborative effort between technical staff from multiple agencies, including the DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
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www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate
