Iowa has lifted all drought watch designations following improved conditions in January, despite continued below-average precipitation statewide. The latest Water Summary Update shows Iowa averaged 0.93 inches of precipitation for the month, slightly below normal, with the driest conditions in northwest Iowa at about 30% of normal. Statewide temperatures averaged 19.3 degrees, just below normal.
Locally, Hampton saw an average high temperature of 25 degrees in January, boosted by seven days above 35 degrees in the first half of the month. The city also received roughly 1.40 inches of precipitation, slightly higher than the statewide average.
Half of Iowa remains classified as abnormally dry, with moderate drought lingering in far northwest Iowa. February’s outlook calls for equal chances of above-, below-, or near-average precipitation, with increased odds of below-average temperatures.
Full press release found here
Photo: Yellow signals abnormally dry conditions, tan signals level 1 drought conditions; courtesy of the Iowa DNR
