June was a mixed bag in Iowa in terms of precipitation as widespread flooding devasted northwest Iowa while other areas barely saw any rain, according to the latest Water Summary Update. The preliminary statewide rainfall average for June was 5.22 inches, though totals varied widely across the state. Lake Park in northwest Iowa received a staggering 18.46 inches of rain, while the Rathbun Dam area recorded only 1.96 inches. Southern and southeastern Iowa saw below-normal precipitation despite the heavy rains elsewhere. June ended a nine-month trend of wetter-than-normal conditions, with average rainfall just below the statewide norm. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows less than one percent of Iowa as abnormally dry, the lowest in 218 weeks. June’s statewide average temperature was 50.7 degrees, 2.1 degrees above normal. Iowa Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “Averaged across the state, rainfall in June was just below normal. However, since June is normally the wettest month in the state, drought-related conditions have been all but eliminated. As we continue into summer months of increased water demand, we should continue the favorable hydrologic conditions in Iowa, with soil moisture and streamflow staying near normal levels.” A link to the complete June Water Summary Update is included below. 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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