The near-record snowfall Iowans saw in January has improved drought conditions across the state, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says.
The snow amounted to 27.2 inches in Des Moines, the second-most on record for a January, according to the National Weather Service, and was heavy across much of the rest of the state. The DNR’s latest Water Summary Update, released Thursday said that statewide, the precipitation averaged the equivalent of about 2 inches of rain, more than twice the normal total.
October and December also had above-normal precipitation, the DNR said in a news release. The improved precipitation followed below-average rainfall from March to September.
Previously:Des Moines Water Works sees record demand, warns of possible water shortage this year
“January’s double normal moisture has really helped to improve drought conditions across most of Iowa,” Tim Hall, the DNR’s hydrology resources coordinator, said in the release. “The wet October, December, and now January is a very encouraging trend.”