According to the latest Water Summary Update, Iowa experienced its first water year with above-normal precipitation since 2019, ending a four-year drought. The 2024 water year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, saw 36 inches of precipitation, 0.38 inches above average, with increased rainfall from October 2023 to July 2024. However, September’s record-breaking low rainfall of a meager 0.72 inches has raised concerns for 2025. The U.S. Drought Monitor released Oct. 1 shows nearly all of Iowa in abnormally dry or drought conditions, with parts of western Iowa, including Monona and Harrison counties, in severe drought. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “The record dry September has impacted conditions in Iowa, although the last year has been a good one. The four-year drought ended in June of this year, which is a reflection of the wetter than normal conditions that started in October of last year.” He emphasizes the importance of normal precipitation through the fall and winter to avoid potential challenges next year. The report is prepared monthly by technical staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. The full report can be found by following the link included with this story on our website.
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www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.