Iowa’s August precipitation was 3.53 inches, over half an inch below normal levels, according to the latest water summary update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Southeast Iowa was labeled the driest region of the state, with Keokuk County only receiving a quarter of an inch of rain for the entire month. This is the fifth month in a row that precipitation levels came in below their normal statewide averages.

Some drought conditions were improved in Southwest and Central Iowa, but drought conditions worsened in Southeast Iowa over the last month. Streamflow, soil moisture, and shallow groundwater levels are all lower than normal in Northwest and Southeast Iowa.

Tim Hall, the Hydrology Resources Coordinator for the Iowa DNR, says that Iowa needs to receive above-normal rainfall for the next several months for the yearly average levels to be met. Hall also noted that previous years have seen plentiful rainfall in September and October.