Dry conditions have led the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue new drought watches for southwestern Iowa, while the existing watch for northwestern Iowa remains active, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
The update, released August 6, 2026, highlights the expansion of moderate drought across northern and western regions in July, despite statewide precipitation averaging 4.50 inches, 0.33 inches above normal. This uneven distribution saw central and northeastern areas receive significantly more rainfall, while other regions faced deficits.
July 2026 was also notably warm, averaging 76.5 degrees, 3.1 degrees above normal, making it roughly the 25th warmest July in 154 years of recordkeeping. Currently, nearly 45 percent of Iowa is abnormally dry, with almost 30 percent in moderate drought, impacting soil moisture levels across much of the state.
"July brought sharp contrasts in precipitation across Iowa, with heavy rain in central and northeastern Iowa while northern and western regions continued to remain dry," said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist. She added, "As the state transitions into its drier season, forecasts favor drought persistence rather than relief," with the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center projecting drought conditions in western and northwestern Iowa will likely persist and expand through October.
Separately, the DNR Air Quality Bureau announced several draft construction permits are available for public review. These permits, which include modifications for Platinum Crush, LLC in Buena Vista County and replacements for Cargill, Inc - Eddyville in Monroe County, aim to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public is encouraged to submit comments on these permits by their respective deadlines in September.