Iowa Experiences Drought-Free Condition Thanks to July's Abundant Rainfall
Iowa Drought Conditions Improve Dramatically, but Monitoring Remains Necessary
Following a record-breaking July, Iowa is currently drought-free, with most drought watches lifted and less than 1% of the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
According to the latest seasonal outlooks, most of the state may not experience drought conditions for the rest of the season. However, the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center's August outlook indicates an equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation and temperatures across the entire state. This mixed forecast means drought conditions could potentially return if rainfall is below normal, particularly in southwestern Iowa where a small pocket along the Missouri River is expected to continue experiencing dry conditions.
Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist, made the statement about the improved drought conditions in Iowa. The improvement was due to the above-normal precipitation in July and early August. In fact, July 2025 ranks as the second wettest July in 153 years of records, behind July 1993, bringing 9.20 inches of precipitation statewide, 4.83 inches above normal.
Eastern Iowa experienced the warmest conditions out of all regions in the state, with statewide temperatures averaging 75.4 degrees in July, 2.0 degrees above the normal temperature. Statewide precipitation totaled 9.20 inches in July, which is 4.83 inches above the norm.
This combination of historic wetness followed by uncertain precipitation outlook means Iowa’s drought conditions have improved dramatically but still require monitoring for potential re-emergence later in the season. According to Iowa's Drought Plan, overall drought conditions improved for the entire state. The drought watch designations for Western and Southern Iowa have been removed.
The latest Water Summary Update reports improved drought conditions statewide in Iowa due to above-normal precipitation in July. Despite the improvements, farmers may still face challenges as heavy rains in July slowed fieldwork, and some areas remain saturated or flooded. However, with drier forecasts in late August, conditions should improve.
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- The National weather service's KMCH affiliate in Iowa has reported a significant improvement in the state's drought conditions, with most drought watches lifted and less than 1% of the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
- The recent weather updates show that Iowa, despite the dramatic improvement, still faces an equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation and temperatures for the rest of the season, which could potentially lead to the re-emergence of drought conditions, particularly in southwestern Iowa.
- As per the latest news from Iowa's Department of Natural Resources, Jessica Reese McIntyre, the DNR Environmental Specialist, has stated that the improved drought conditions in Iowa are due to the above-normal precipitation in July and early August, which made July 2025 the second wettest July in 153 years of records.
- The Iowa Drought Plan highlights that the overall drought conditions have improved across the state, with the drought watch designations for Western and Southern Iowa having been removed following the record-breaking July precipitation and the improved drought conditions reported in the latest Water Summary Update.
