- Iowa experienced one of the wettest meteorological springs on record for most of Iowa (March-May 2024), ending a long drought that had persisted since 2020.
- It was the first time since June 2020 that there was no drought anywhere in Iowa, with only abnormally dry conditions remaining in some areas.
- Precipitation levels were in the top 10 wettest on record for 7 out of 9 climate divisions in Iowa.
- The wet spring helped replenish soil moisture, stream flows, and shallow aquifers, though deeper aquifers will take years to fully recover.
- Growing degree days were above average while stress degree days (temperatures above 86°F) were slightly below average, providing favorable conditions for plant growth.
- The last frost occurred around late April in central Iowa, allowing an extended spring growing season.
- Vegetable growers reported good germination and growth without needing to irrigate due to the ample rainfall.
- However, some growers fell behind on transplanting starts and succession plantings due to the wet fields.
- Succession planting of crops like cucumbers, zucchini, and radishes was impacted by the delays.
- Overall, it was described as an archetypal, pleasant spring after coming out of a multi-year drought.
Summarized using claude.ai and perplexity.ai
