Drought Information Statement for Central Iowa 
Valid December, 21, 2023
Issued By:  NWS Des Moines
Contact Information:  nws.desmoines@noaa.gov
This product will be updated January 18, 2023 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

U.S. Drought Monitor
An area of degradation occurred across portions of central Iowa into west central Iowa.

Drought intensity and Extent
D3 (Extreme Drought):  Large portions of Eastern, and Southeast and 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 of Iowa has no drought conditions.

Recent Precipitation
30-day precipitation totals ending on December 20th were well below normal for much of Iowa, particularly in a swath from northeast through central to southwest Iowa where the percent of average rainfall is 40% or below.  There is a small area of above normal rainfall in the southeast.

Summary of Impacts

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 with one in south 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:  Moderate to even locally heavy rain is becoming more likely around Christmas Time with widespread rainfall over one half inch to an inch across much of Iowa.

Image Caption:  Weather Prediction Center 7-day precipitation forecast valid Thursday December 21 to Wednesday December 27, 2023

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 precipitation into the start of the New Year.   

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