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Dec. 9, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR releases latest on drought conditions in the state

drought

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa’s drought conditions are easing thanks to a wetter-than-usual November, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) latest Water Summary Update.

The state is now listed at a “normal” drought level, a significant improvement after record-dry conditions in September and October.

The Iowa DNR says November’s rainfall totaled 3.25 inches, about 1.4 inches above average. This helped replenish streamflows and soil moisture at a critical time.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows over 92% of Iowa experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, down from 97 percent in early October. Severe drought levels have dropped to just one percent.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service has no clear signal for December’s precipitation. Average rainfall this winter could set Iowa up for a healthy spring.