(Des Moines)– Despite above-normal rainfall in December, overall conditions at the end of 2023 remain dry, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. December saw 1.79 inches of precipitation, or 0.42 inches above normal. This marks only the fourth month of 2023 of above-average precipitation.
Tim Hall, a Hydrology Resource Coordinator for the DNR, says Iowa ended the year with a statewide average total of only 26.82 inches of precipitation, 8.73 inches below normal. Over the last three years, some locations in east central Iowa have seen rainfall deficits of nearly 25 inches.
Hall says at the beginning of 2024, Iowa’s Drought Plan is showing some improvement and stabilization of drought conditions, with northwest Iowa showing the best overall conditions in the state. Areas in northern, central and northeast Iowa saw conditions improve, but maintain a drought watch designation. He says the southern half of the state remains in a drought warning, but conditions are not deteriorating.
Hall says increased precipitation during the early part of winter should continue to improve conditions in those regions.
