The soils are still completely frozen, so not much has changed when it comes to drought conditions. Since we started this winter with such heavy drought conditions, we?re counting on building and maintaining a snowpack that can give us a head start on our moisture deficits come spring. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an update on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for the state of Iowa.
Glisan said that some of the snowpack will be lost to surface temperatures, but the weather could get warm enough to allow for some soil penetration.
If you believe in Punxsutawney Phil, you may have your faith shaken by this month?s weather. Glisan said the February forecast is showing warmer-than-average temperatures for this month.
Before this winter, we were expecting a colder-than-average season. However, Glisan said that, minus December?s arctic blast, we?ve actually seen temperatures that are warmer than the seasonal average.
The snow can actually build a bit of a protective crust on top when the surface temperature fluctuates between above and below freezing. Once those temperatures get into the 40 and 50 degree range, though, Glisan said we could start to lose some of that snowpack.
While we don?t want to see that snowpack go away quite yet, Glisan said the warmer temperatures will provide an easier time for calving season.
Glisan added that they?re seeing a shift from a La Nina weather pattern to ENSO neutral, which bring cooler and wetter weather this spring and help alleviate those drought conditions.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
