Today, we?re finally getting some much-needed rain across most of the state, but, unfortunately, northwest Iowa is still getting the short end of the stick. However, any rain is better than no rain, and the forecast indicates that we could continue to get more. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an analysis of this week?s U.S. Drought Monitor Report.
The entire state has been desperate for rain as of late. Northwest Iowa has been dealing with severe drought, and the Mississippi River over on the east side of the state is still too low for efficient transportation of grains. Glisan said that, while both areas are in need of rain, the northwest region is in a more urgent need right now.
Glisan said that there?s an elevated signal for continued rain, but the temperatures will fluctuate between cooler and warmer than average.
For those of you who have been following along with my posts on our newsletter, you?ll know that my mother always wishes for snow before her birthday every year. Fortunately for her, it looks like we could get some light snow as this weather system moves out of the state. Glisan said that the precipitation we usually get in early November comes in the form of rain, but it?s not uncommon for some snow to fall either.
Snow isn?t as effective at replenishing water levels as rain is, obviously, but Glisan said we?ll take whatever we can get at this point.
Glisan added that, while these rains are welcome, we need a lot more before the soil levels are back where they need to be.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
