Sure, we’re tired of the wet, cold weather, but at least it’s taken most of the state out of drought status.
Here is the latest update, as of May 2, 2013, from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:
DES MOINES—Significant rainfall between April 19 and April 30 provided drought relief for more of Iowa. Nearly the entire eastern half of Iowa is no longer in drought; the remainder has seen a lessening of drought severity.
A new record for April statewide average precipitation was set with a total of 6.52 inches. It beat the old record of 6.25 inches set in April 1999. The normal amount for April is 3.51 inches.
Stream flows are normal for most of the state, with some areas in eastern Iowa above normal. Shallow groundwater levels have improved except along the Rock River in western Sioux County.
For a more thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends April 19 through April 30 go to http://www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by the technical staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the USGS, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
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