Drought Watch Issued for Northwest and Southeast Iowa Following Dry Winter

DES MOINES — State officials have issued drought watches for northwest and southeast Iowa after an unusually dry winter led to worsening drought conditions across much of the state.

According to the latest Water Summary Update, Iowa experienced significantly below-normal precipitation throughout the winter months, contributing to declining soil moisture and expanding drought conditions through February. As a result, the northwest and southeast drought regions have now been placed under a drought watch.

Despite the dry conditions, seasonal streamflows currently remain within normal ranges. However, officials say soil moisture levels continue to decline statewide.

Preliminary data shows Iowa’s statewide precipitation for February totaled 0.38 inches, which is 0.79 inches below normal. Monthly totals varied widely across the state, ranging from no measurable precipitation at several southern and northwestern weather stations to 1.26 inches in New Hampton. Southeastern Iowa experienced particularly dry conditions, with precipitation totals generally between 0.75 and 1.75 inches.

Temperatures were also well above normal. The statewide average temperature for February was 31.3 degrees, about 7.2 degrees above normal.

The U.S. Drought Monitor currently indicates that most of Iowa is either abnormally dry or experiencing drought conditions. Portions of southeast Iowa are classified under severe drought. According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, all drought regions saw deteriorating conditions in February as soil moisture remained critically low due to ongoing moisture deficits.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predicts above-average precipitation across the state in March, along with an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures. Seasonal outlooks suggest drought conditions could persist in far northwestern Iowa through May, while the remainder of the state may see improvement or complete drought removal.

“Following a winter of persistent moisture deficits, drought regions in northwest and southeastern Iowa are now under a drought watch,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “The lack of both precipitation and a significant snowpack has led to substantial soil drying across the state. While the seasonal outlook predicts drought will persist in far northwest Iowa through May, the rest of the state shows a favorable trend for improvement.”

The Water Summary Update is prepared by technical staff from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 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.

For a full review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.