Dry conditions expanded across much of Iowa in late May due to significantly below-normal rainfall, prompting a continued drought watch for the northwest part of the state.
Iowa's preliminary statewide precipitation for May totaled 2.78 inches, which is 2.06 inches below normal, with the driest conditions concentrated in eastern Iowa. Roughly three-quarters of the state is now classified as abnormally dry or worse, primarily affecting northern and eastern regions, though recent rainfall did eliminate severe drought pockets in the northwest. Soil moisture levels have also trended downward.
The preliminary statewide average temperature for May was 60.9 degrees, 1.0 degrees above normal. Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist, said, "While rainfall successfully eliminated the severe drought pockets in northwest Iowa, a drought watch remains in place for the region. Meanwhile, dry conditions expanded across northern and eastern Iowa by the end of May."
McIntyre added, "The seasonal outlook through August indicates that these current dry areas will likely persist, with further drought development anticipated in the northern and eastern region." The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer June with no clear precipitation signal statewide, and a chance for below-normal precipitation across the northwest half of the state through August.