Drought conditions improve with January snowfall

January's above-normal snowfall has improved drought conditions across the state, according to the latest water summary update by the Iowa DNR.

January saw 1.97 inches of precipitation, more than twice the normal amount for the month. The state has received above-average precipitation in three of the last four months. Since October 2023 statewide precipitation has been 7.24 inches, or 106 percent of normal.

At the end of January, Iowa's Drought Plan is showing improvement and stabilization of drought conditions across much of the state. Northwest and north central Iowa show normal conditions, while the rest of the state carries drought watch designations. Areas of the state under drought warning at the end of December have had those designations removed.

"The wet October, December, and now January is a very encouraging trend," said Tim Hall, the DNR's Hydrology Resources Coordinator, in a news release. "In addition, the lack of deeply frozen soil has helped melted snow water to soak into the ground, and as a result, we have seen almost no flooding conditions. We are heading in the right direction to improve conditions as we move into spring."

The state typically sees increased precipitation, whether rain or snow, during the late winter and spring months. Normal to above-normal rainfall amounts will likely help improve drought conditions in the state.