Water Summary Update: August drought continues in areas of northern and western Iowa
DES MOINES – Iowa experienced a wetter than average August overall, but drought conditions persist in the northern and western parts of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
An area of severe drought that appeared in western Iowa during August has kept the drought watch active in northwestern Iowa and triggered a new drought watch for central Iowa. Although southern and northeastern Iowa maintained stable conditions due to above-normal precipitation, dry conditions continued to degrade or persist elsewhere. Low surface soil moisture was observed in western and eastern Iowa, while central regions remained wetter. Meanwhile, streamflow levels across Iowa were largely classified as normal conditions.
Statewide precipitation totaled 4.79 inches during August, which is 0.66 inches above normal. However, most areas of the state saw near- to below-normal rainfall, with northwest Iowa experiencing deficits ranging from 1.00 to 3.00 inches. Statewide temperatures averaged 71.9 degrees, which is 0.9 degrees above normal, with the warmest conditions occurring in central and northwest Iowa. August 2026 is tied with 1921 and 2020 as the 75th warmest August on record, and it ranks as the 36th wettest August in history.
According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, drought watches are currently in effect for the northwest and central drought regions, while the remaining three drought regions carry a normal designation. According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), nearly 26 percent of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with nearly nine percent classified in moderate drought.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s September outlook indicates an increased chance of above-normal temperatures statewide and an equal chance of above-, below-, or near-normal precipitation. The seasonal outlook through October projects that drought conditions in western and northwestern Iowa will likely persist.
“While recent rainfall brought welcome relief to parts of Iowa, persistent dryness in the northwest keeps drought conditions active in those areas as we move into the fall," said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.
www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
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