Rainfall has helped lift some of Iowa out of drought conditions.
While central Iowa hasn’t seen quite as much rain, northern Iowa received anywhere from 1 to 2 inches from June 16 to June 17. So, what are the current drought conditions of Iowa?
US Drought Monitor map: How much of Iowa is in a drought?
The newest Drought Monitor report, released on June 19, showed 31% of Iowa with no dryness or drought. This is an improvement from the last report on June 12 when only 20%, or nine counties, had no dryness.
Counties along the Minnesota border saw the greatest improvements over the last week with Kossuth County to Winneshiek County reaching D0 drought intensity. This means they are no longer considered abnormally dry. Meanwhile, parts of northwestern Iowa, like Sioux County, and southwestern Iowa, around Montgomery County, remain in moderate drought.
Even though drought conditions have improved, Iowa is drier than it was last year. Iowa saw an abnormally wet spring and early summer in 2024 that brought the state out of a four-year drought. This time one year ago nearly 70% of the state was experiencing no dryness or drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Iowa Drought Monitor tracks conditions weekly
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday.
The intensity levels range from abnormally dry, or D0, to exceptional drought, or D4.
Typically under D0 conditions, corn can show drought stress. Pond levels start to decline under moderate drought conditions and soybeans abort pods, according to the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor also has a look-back chart that compares drought conditions from 3 months ago up to 1 year ago.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Drought Monitor: Rainfall across state improves conditions. See where:
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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