DES MOINES — For the first time since September, abnormally dry conditions have returned to the state following a dry November, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa DNR.  Iowa received only 0.43 inches of precipitation in November, much below the normal of 2.05 inches. However, streamflow levels are running at close to normal across much of Iowa. Groundwater conditions remain good in most locations, with the exception of southeastern Iowa, where levels are rated in slight drought conditions.

Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, says “This ranks as the 15th lowest November total for precipitation among 145 years of records and the lowest calendar month total for any month since November 2007.” For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

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.