Drought Information Statement for Central Iowa 
Valid January, 18, 2024
Issued By:  NWS Des Moines
Contact Information:  nws.desmoines@noaa.gov
This product will be updated February 15, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

U.S. Drought Monitor
An area of improvement occurred across portions of southeast Iowa. However, much of the state remained unchanged given the cold temperatures and frozen ground conditions. 

Drought intensity and Extent
D3 (Extreme Drought): Large portions of Northeast into East Central and portions of South Central into Central and West Central Iowa.
D2 (Severe Drought): Surrounds the D3 area and extends across much of Southern into West Central Iowa.
D1 (Moderate Drought) and D0 (Abnormally Dry): Most of the rest of the state not already covered by D2, D3 conditions.
Only the far eastern tip and portions of northwest Iowa have no drought conditions.

Recent Precipitation
30-day precipitation totals ending on January 17th were generally much above normal across Iowa, particularly in the south and west.  While there was generous rainfall around Christmas time, the bulk of precipitation since has been snow which has done little to replenish soil moisture. 

Summary of Impacts

Hydrologic Impacts: Many river basins across Iowa have below normal flows. 

Agricultural Impacts: Agricultural impacts are minimal at this time due to dormant winter conditions.

Fire Hazard Impacts: A couple of burn bans remain in effect in west central Iowa.

Other Impacts: Most of Iowa is experiencing drought conditions and low streamflows.  Conditions are expected to persist through the winter.  Water restrictions are in effect for a number of communities. 

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:  Light to moderate precipitation is expected at various times during the 7 day outlook. Some melting is also expected as temperatures warm above freezing next week.  

Near Term Outlook: The 8 to 14 day outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal temperatures across Iowa as well as trending above normal with regards to precipitation.

Drought Outlook: The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage