Drought Conditions Improving Across Iowa

Consistent above-normal rainfall in April has improved overall drought conditions across the state – even leading to increased river and stream levels.

According to the latest Iowa Drought Monitor map, much of Dubuque County, including the Dyersville area, is now out of a drought. That changes quickly just to the west – there are narrow bands of D0 Abnormally Dry and D1 Moderate Drought in the eastern half of Delaware County and Jones County, but most of the KMCH listening area – including Manchester – is under a D2 Severe Drought. 

For the first time in nearly two years, no areas in Iowa carry an “extreme drought” designation. And recent rainfall amounts indicate conditions may continue to improve throughout the spring.

April’s preliminary statewide precipitation was just over four inches – about a half inch above normal. Some parts of Iowa have precipitation deficits nearly seven inches below normal, and the state has now seen 209 consecutive weeks of dryness or drought conditions. 

Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, says four years of drought will not be eliminated in just a month or two, but we are seeing progress – and that’s encouraging.

Half of the state’s yearly rainfall usually comes in May through August, so the next few months are critical to long-term water resources in Iowa.

Iowa Drought Monitor map courtesy of Iowa DNR