Drought Information Statement for Central Iowa 
Valid March, 28, 2024
Issued By:  NWS Des Moines
Contact Information:  nws.desmoines@noaa.gov
This product will be updated April 25, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

U.S. Drought Monitor
Improvement occurred over much of the western half of Iowa after generous rainfall over the past week.

Drought intensity and Extent
D3 (Extreme Drought):  Large portions of Northeast into East Central Iowa.
D2 (Severe Drought): Surrounds the D3 area and extends into south central Iowa.
D1 (Moderate Drought) and D0 (Abnormally Dry):  Most of the rest of the state not already covered by D2, D3 conditions.
Small portions of east central and southeast Iowa along with northwest Iowa have no drought conditions.

Recent Precipitation
30-day precipitation totals ending on March 27th indicates above normal rainfall for much of western Iowa along with some above normal pockets in the east.  Below normal precipitation was seen from south central Iowa into portions of the northeast.     

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 conditions.

Fire Hazard Impacts: One burn ban remains in effect in far western Iowa. 

Other Impacts: Most of Iowa is experiencing drought conditions and low streamflows.  Conditions are expected to persist into the early Spring. 

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast: Precipitation is once again expected to be somewhat widespread across Iowa into early April.  The much needed precipitation is heaviest across the northern half of the state and may continue to improve drought conditions in the short term.  

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: Drought conditions are mostly expected to persist across Iowa through the end of April.  However, some improvement is expected in portions of southern Iowa.