Drought Conditions Stay Steady Across North, Northeast Iowa

For the second straight reporting period, the majority of the region remains rated in the D1 category for moderate drought in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Based on precipitation through 7 am Tuesday, November 12, all of Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Hancock, Howard, Floyd, Fayette, Franklin, Grundy, Mitchell, Winneshiek, Worth, Winnebago, and Wright counties are in moderate drought. 

The majority of Kossuth County is also in moderate drought, with a small northwest segment of the county in severe drought.

The National Weather Service in La Crosse says from August 14 through November 12 (past 90 days), rainfall totals ranged from 3.90″ near Oelwein to 11.58″ near Prairie du Chien. Rainfall departures ranged from 1″ wetter-than-normal to 6″ drier than normal, with the largest deficits (2 to 6″) west of the Mississippi River. 

From November 6 through November 12, rainfall totals ranged from 0.04″ near Oelwein to 1.66″ at Mabel, MN. Typically 0.4″ of rain falls during this time period.

Among local totals:

Charles City .34”

New Hampton  .25”

Osage  .68”

St. Ansgar  .82

Decorah  .56

Mason City .92