Drought Information Statement for Central Iowa 
Valid December, 14, 2023
Issued By:  NWS Des Moines
Contact Information:  nws.desmoines@noaa.gov
This product will be updated January 11, 2023 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

U.S. Drought Monitor

The various drought categories remained virtually unchanged from the previous update. 

Drought intensity and Extent:
D3 (Extreme Drought):  Portions of North Central, Eastern, and South 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  or D4 conditions.

Recent Precipitation:  30-day precipitation totals ending on December 14th were well below normal for much of Iowa, particularly the northwest half of the state where the percent of average rainfall is 25% or below.  There is a very small area of above normal rainfall in the southeast.

Hydrologic Impacts:  Many river basins across eastern and southern Iowa are at flows far below normal.

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

Fire Hazard Impacts:  A few burn bans remain in effect, mainly in west central Iowa.  

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

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:  Some light to moderate precipitation amounts are expected across Iowa early in the weekend of December 16th and 17th.  Otherwise, the remainder of the outlook into next week is expected to remain dry.  

Near Term Outlook: The 8 to 14 day outlook indicates a better chance of above normal temperatures across Iowa as well as trending above normal with precipitation during that time.   

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