DAVENPORT, Iowa — Steady rainfall during the month of April has improved drought conditions across Iowa, leading to increased river levels, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the state's Department of Natural Resources.
April precipitation was 4.16 inches, about half an inch above normal. Iowa's Drought Plan reported overall drought conditions improved statewide, with areas in northeast and southern Iowa continuing to show a "drought watch" designation.
It's the first time in about two years that no regions of Iowa have an "extreme drought" designation, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Despite the improved drought conditions, some areas still have drought designations due to persistent precipitation shortages throughout the past year, with some regions having precipitation shortfalls of nearly seven inches below normal.
“April is normally a wet month, so a wetter-than-normal April is certainly welcome. Four years of drought will not be eliminated in just a month or two, but progress is being seen,” Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, said. “We are in the critical months for water resources in Iowa, and a wetter-than-normal trend is encouraging.”
In a normal year, May through August delivers half of the state's annual rainfall.
Visit the Iowa DNR website for a review of Iowa's water resource trends.
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