Drought watches have been issued for northwest and southeast Iowa following a winter marked by a lack of rain and snow, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
The DNR says Iowa experienced a notably dry winter, with worsening drought conditions expanding across much of the state through February. This deterioration has resulted in the northwest and southeast drought regions of Iowa being placed under a drought watch. While seasonal stream flows currently remain within normal ranges, soil moisture levels continue to decline statewide.
Iowa’s preliminary statewide February precipitation totaled 0.38 inches, or 0.79 inches below normal. Monthly totals ranged from no accumulation at several southern and northwestern stations to 1.26 inches from New Hampton.
Almost all of northwest Iowa is in the D-I or moderate drought category, except for the southeast portion of Kossuth County which is in the D-0 or abnormally dry category.
Comments