Heading into this winter, there were a lot of questions about the drought conditions. We didn?t get nearly enough precipitation before the ground froze, so it looked like those heavy moisture deficits were going to stick around until spring. However, we?ve had a very mild winter since then, and the temps have been warm enough to allow melting snow and rain into the soil profiles. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an update on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for the state of Iowa.
Northwest Iowa was looking especially dry heading into winter, and while they still have heavy deficits, things are starting to look better. Glisan said he?s even heard that there?s standing water in some of the fields in that area.
Now, there was a widespread rain event that happened just before the soils froze last year, and that?s actually coming in handy right now. Glisan said the moisture prevented the soil from freezing too deep, which has helped it to thaw quicker recently.
Up north, there?s been a ton of snowfall lately. We?re hoping that the snow will thaw slowly and gently enter the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, but Glisan said there is a chance for some flooding on the Mississippi River side of the state.
As for March, we?re finally transitioning into the spring season. Glisan said that this March is even looking to be wetter than average.
Glisan added that the wetter weather is being caused by the transition from the La Nina weather pattern to ENSO neutral.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
