Drought Information Statement for Central Iowa 
Valid February, 1, 2024
Issued By:  NWS Des Moines
Contact Information:  nws.desmoines@noaa.gov
This product will be updated March 1, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

U.S. Drought Monitor
An area of improvement occurred across portions of central and southeast Iowa. However, much of the state remained unchanged.

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

Recent Precipitation
30-day precipitation totals ending on January 31st were generally much above normal across Iowa outside portions of northern Iowa.  This has helped with some improvement in drought conditions. 

Summary of Impacts

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

Agricultural Impacts: Ag 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 below normal with regards to precipitation.

Drought Outlook: Drought conditions are expected to persist across Iowa through the end of February.