Drought in Howard, Iowa

Ongoing extreme drought (D3) worsened to exceptional drought (D4) for most of Howard County through the middle of September. By September 11th, under a quarter of an inch of rain fell across Howard County, more than 1 inch below normal for the time period. The resultant topsoil moisture was 50 to 70% below normal. A series of storms provided up to 4 inches of rainfall during the second half of September, 1 inch above normal for the time period. This above normal rainfall resulted in removal of exceptional drought (D4) by the end of September, while extreme drought (D3) persisted county-wide.

Ongoing abnormally dry conditions resulted in extreme drought (D3) encompassing nearly all of northeastern Iowa at the start of September. Highly variable monthly rainfall totals, ranging from 1 to 6 inches, mostly fell during the latter half of the month. With a very dry start to the month, rainfall totals neared 2 inches below normal, resulting in exceptional drought (D4) for far northeast Iowa. Broadcast media reported heightened drought impacts across northeast Iowa compared to neighboring areas, resulting in stunted and below average crop yields. A series of storms during the latter half of the month provided heavy rain across northeast Iowa, easing the single week of exceptional drought (D4). Highest recorded 24-hour rainfall totals, reported on the morning of the 23rd, included 3.26 near Decorah (Winneshiek), 3.25 in New Hampton (Chickasaw County), and 3.15 in Waukon (Allamakee County). This slightly reduced drought severity, but nevertheless extreme drought (D3) conditions persisted through the remainder of September for nearly all of northeast Iowa. This brought drought longevity to 7 (Howard County) to 15 (Allamakee County, Clayton County) consecutive weeks of at least severe drought (D2) conditions.