This is now the second consecutive week where we?ve seen improvement to the drought conditions in Iowa. It may not feel like it right now, but we?re finally transitioning into the spring season. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an update on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report for the state of Iowa.
Glisan said that there was moisture in the soil when it froze, which prevented it from freezing too deep and has allowed it thaw easier and let new moisture in.
The northern part of the state received a lot of snow recently, and Glisan said that snow has been gradually melting and entering the waterways.
Over the weekend, we saw several small thunderstorms that produced some pretty active lightning. Glisan said we could see a lot of different weather events this month, as March is the transitional period between winter and spring.
Glisan also provided an update on the transition from a La Nina weather pattern to ENSO neutral.
It?s always difficult to predict the likelihood of severe weather, but since we usually see precipitation come in the form of thunderstorms at this time of year, Glisan said we could see more storms with the wetter weather signal.
Glisan also asked farmers to get in touch and provide data on what conditions they?ve been seeing on their farms.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
