Drought conditions in northwest, western, and central Iowa improved in March thanks to above-average rainfall, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After a dry start to the year, March brought an average of 2.57 inches of precipitation statewide, 0.58 inches above normal, helping ease the dry conditions seen across much of the state. Temperatures were also unseasonably warm, averaging more than six degrees above normal. The Iowa Drought Plan now shows improvement in several drought regions. However, northeastern Iowa remains under a drought watch, with much of the area still experiencing severe drought. The southern regions remain stable with a normal drought designation. As of April 10, more than 75 percent of the state is still experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Forecasters predict equal chances for above, below, or near-normal precipitation through June. The Water Summary Update is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. A link to the full March report is included below.
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