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Central Iowa's drought conditions significantly better than this time last year, new data shows

More than 6" of rain has fallen in Des Moines since the start of March, eliminating drought concerns for the city and surrounding areas.

DES MOINES, Iowa — For the first time since April 2021, almost all of central Iowa is drought-free. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor released a new drought update Thursday morning, and central Iowa's drought zones decreased in size. 

New data shows 54% of Iowa is completely drought-free, compared to just 34% a week ago. At this same time in 2021, 74% of Iowa was abnormally dry, while only 26% of the state was free of drought. 

46% of Iowa is now classified as abnormally dry, which is down from 66% last week. 

Only 13% of Iowa is categorized under moderate drought, and just 2% of Iowa is under severe drought now. 

The driest part of Iowa is still in the northwestern corner, with Monona and Woodbury counties being the most drought-stricken places. 

For the Local 5 News region, the only areas reporting moderate drought are northwestern Carroll County, western Calhoun County, southwestern Pocahontas County and all of Sac County.

Smaller portions of Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Greene, Humboldt, Kossuth, Pocahontas, Webster and Wright counties are classified as abnormally dry.  

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These dramatic improvements come on the heels of a wetter-than-average stretch in March and April. Since March 1, Des Moines has recorded 6.71" of rain, about an inch above average.

In April alone, 3.26" of rain has fallen at the Des Moines International Airport.

Although it is difficult to predict the long-term rainfall outlook for central Iowa, May and June are the rainiest months of the year, on average. 

Des Moines averages 5.24" of rain in May and 5.26" of rain in June. 

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