Iowa experienced another month of below-normal rainfall in August, with preliminary data indicating that the state received only 3.25 inches of rain, 0.88 inches below the average. This marks the sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall. The situation has led to concerning conditions in certain areas of the state. Northeast Iowa, in Drought Region 3, is now under a “drought warning,” with some limited areas approaching a “drought emergency.” Approximately one-quarter of the state is now covered by D3 – Severe Drought conditions, the highest level since March 2013. During the summer months of June, July, and August, Iowa received only 67 percent of the average rainfall, with a total of 9.13 inches compared to the usual 13.56 inches. Drought Region 3 received less than half of the expected rain during these summer months, making it the second driest summer on record for that area. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hydrology Resources Coordinator Tim Hall says, “August started with good rainfall, but since the middle of the month, conditions have turned very dry, especially in parts of northeast Iowa. All of the indicators are pointing in the direction of continued dryness over the next week, so opportunities for moving out of drought this year become more limited, causing us concern for 2024.” The report is prepared by technical staff from the 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 complete Aug. 2023 Water Summary Update is available below.
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