It’s official: Iowa is free from drought for the first time since June 2020.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 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 10 wettest on record.
A portion of the state still remains under “abnormally dry” conditions, one category below drought conditions.
June through August normally sees an increase in water demand, so having a recharged hydrologic system is important as the summer season begins.