The abrupt dryness from flash droughts, like the one that has been occurring in Iowa, come on quickly and can wilt crops and waterways faster than long-term droughts. New research finds the dangerous dry spells will become more common in the future.
Drought conditions spread so quickly in May that state experienced a “flash drought.”
Iowa has a new drought plan — the first since the 1980s, when droughts were less frequent and less intense than what Iowa has seen in recent years because of climate change.
Nearly three-quarters of the state is suffering from some degree of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst conditions are in Northwest Iowa.
NEWSTRACK | CATCHING UP ON AN EARLIER STORY: In east-central Iowa, the crops south of Interstate 80 fared worse than those north of the interstate.
NEWSTRACK | CATCHING UP ON AN EARLIER STORY: In east-central Iowa, the crops south of Interstate 80 fared worse than those north of the interstate.
Widespread rainfall last week in the southeastern half of the state significantly reduced drought conditions.
Drought conditions are likely to develop over the southern half of Iowa in August as the month starts with a string of abnormally hot days with little chance for rain.
Drought conditions are likely to develop over the southern half of Iowa in August as the month starts with a string of abnormally hot days with little chance for rain.
State officials want to develop a drought plan that would include a trigger point to call for precautions, such as water rationing. Iowa has been ruled highly vulnerable to drought in part because crops are not irrigated.
Warmer than average conditions continued across Iowa with a statewide average of 65.2 degrees, 11.7 degrees above normal. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.26 inch while the normal is 0.66 inch.
But more timely precipitation still needed, experts say, before drought conditions can be eliminated.
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