Rep. Ourth: Average February temp more than 8 degrees below normal

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From Rep. Scott Ourth’s newsletter:

The cold and snow in the month of February were the most extreme ever recorded in the state.  The average statewide snowfall for the month was 22.6 inches, making this February the snowiest ever on record.

Statewide temperatures averaged 15.6 degrees.  That is over 8 degrees below normal.  This makes this February the 16th coldest in 147 years of state records.

Soil moisture across the state is high.  Frost remains in the ground across much of the state.  According to Tim Hall, DNR’s coordinator of hydrology resources, “The heavy snow pack and recent rainfall have combined with saturated soils to bring widespread flooding to the state. As a result, this is the first spring in the last three years that has started with no drought in Iowa.”

Additional information on Iowa’s water resources and trends can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

Author: The Iowa Standard