Water Summary Update: Drought watches issued for western Iowa as dry conditions persist
DES MOINES – Dry conditions in late July resulted in degraded conditions across much of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
The expansion and emergence of moderate drought conditions across northern and western regions during July have kept the drought watch active in northwestern Iowa and triggered a new drought watch for southwestern Iowa. Although central and northeastern Iowa maintained stable conditions due to above-normal precipitation, dry conditions continued to degrade or persist elsewhere. Soil moisture levels decreased across much of the state during the month. Meanwhile, streamflow levels across Iowa were largely classified as normal conditions.
At the end of July, Iowa’s statewide precipitation averaged 4.50 inches, which is 0.33 inches above normal. However, rainfall was unevenly distributed, with central to northeastern areas receiving two to three times their normal monthly totals while other regions experienced significant rainfall deficits. Statewide temperatures averaged 76.5 degrees, or 3.1 degrees above normal, making July 2026 roughly the 25th warmest July in 154 years of recordkeeping.
According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, drought watches are currently in effect for the northwest and southwest drought regions, while the remaining three drought regions carry a normal designation. According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), nearly 45 percent of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with nearly 30 percent classified in moderate drought.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s August outlook indicates an increased chance of above-normal temperatures statewide and an equal chance of above-, below-, or near-normal precipitation. The seasonal outlook through October projects that drought conditions in western and northwestern Iowa will likely persist and expand across the northwestern quarter of the state.
“July brought sharp contrasts in precipitation across Iowa, with heavy rain in central and northeastern Iowa while northern and western regions continued to remain dry. A drought watch remains active in the northwest alongside a new watch for southwest Iowa. As the state transitions into its drier season, forecasts favor drought persistence rather than relief,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit
www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
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