(Undated) -- This week's U.S. Drought Monitor map shows a big improvement for Iowa. October was among the top 10 wettest Octobers on record. Iowa received nearly 5 inches of rain last month, nearly double the normal rainfall for the month. The U.S. Drought Monitor has eliminated the Severe Drought rating from the state for the first time since July 2020.
Streamflow and soil moisture conditions have both improved, both of which are critical for establishing good conditions for the spring of 2022.
“The widespread above-normal rainfall in October was just what was needed in Iowa,” said Tim Hall, Hydrology Resources Coordinator for the Iowa DNR. “Good soaking rainfall before the winter freeze will set us up for a much better start to 2022. Hopefully this trend can continue for the next four to six weeks.”
This week's U.S. Drought Monitor map shows a large part of northern Iowa as either abnormally dry or in moderate drought.