Even with measurable precipitation across much of the state, there was no change to last week’s U.S. Drought Monitor in Iowa. The ground is still completely frozen, so we won’t be seeing any change for a while. However, Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said that we’re starting to build a good snowpack, which will provide some relieving soil moisture once the ground thaws in the spring.
Fortunately, Glisan said there’s a cold weather signal in the forecast, which means this snowpack should stick around and provide several benefits.
Areas south of Des Moines didn’t get as much snow as they got slush. Glisan said this was due to a warmer wind column that popped up.
Glisan added that the initial February weather outlooks are continuing the cooler temperature trend.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.