After four years of below normal rainfall and drought conditions, the State of Iowa has returned to normal hydrologic conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
The last time Iowa was free from any drought designation by the U.S. Drought Monitor was June of 2020.
May’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 7.51 inches across the state, or 2.67 inches above normal. The increased rainfall has led to improved streamflow and soil moisture conditions across the state, with the spring months of March, April, and May ranking among the top ten wettest on record. May had an average statewide temperature of 50.7 degrees, just over two degrees above normal.
DNR hydrologist Tim Hall says six of the last eight months have been wetter than normal, the trend they have been waiting to see.
June through August normally sees an increase in water demand, so having a recharged hydrologic system is important as the summer season begins.
