Iowa Weather 2017: Warmer, Drier Than Average: Report

Iowa received a statewide annual precipitation of 33 inches in 2017, more than two inches less than normal and the lowest amount since 2012, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, released today. The state also saw a higher-than-average temperature for the year, ranking as the eighth warmest year on record.

The DNR's summary noted that although the year began with a wetter than normal spring, it was followed by drier than normal summer and fall months, which led to drought conditions in some areas. With the exception of a very wet October, a statewide average of only 1.58 inches of moisture fell after Oct. 14. That's about one-third of the typical precipitation during the time period.

Over the past year the conditions in Iowa ranged from drought-free during May and June, to almost 70 percent of the state showing some form of drought in August, according to the report. Southeastern Iowa remains an area of concern after two consecutive years of drier than normal conditions.

“The distribution of rainfall was uneven this year, with some areas of southeastern Iowa ending the year more than 10 inches short on rainfall,” said Tim Hall, the DNR's Hydrology Resources Coordinator. “Good spring rainfall will help to restore soil moisture and shallow groundwater in those areas."

Meanwhile, 2017 was an unusually warm year with a statewide average temperature of 49.9 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.8 degrees above normal. That ranks as the eighth warmest year on record.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, download the DNR water summary update.
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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