June 12, 2025 Climate Outlook

Key Points

• Warmth is on the way; be aware of chances for extreme heat and keep an eye on livestock.
• An active pattern is expected in the next 7 days in Iowa, with widespread precipitation forecasted. 

Past weather

Fairly widespread precipitation fell across Iowa at the beginning of June. Approximately 80% of the state received at least 0.5 inches of rain on June 3^rd. Localized areas received greater amounts of rain where thunderstorms popped up. Between May 28 and June 10, most of Iowa has had below normal precipitation. Much of eastern Iowa during this time had a 2” deficit of rainfall.

The average daily temperature across the state in the past two weeks was around 65 degrees. This is 2-4 degrees cooler than normal. In the Ames area, the beginning of May stayed around 10 degrees above normal, but the second half of May cooled off and had some days with temperatures 10 degrees below normal. 

Drought Status

Topsoil moisture is reported to be 70% adequate as of the week ending on June 1. Subsoil moisture is reported to be 65% adequate as of the week ending on June 1. These reports can be found on the NASS Crop Progress Reports. The US Drought Monitor reports much of Iowa in D0 (abnormal dryness). Keep in mind the D0 is not considered drought but serves as a transitional designation. 67% of the state is D0, 13% of the state is D1 (moderate drought), and 20% has no drought, as reported by the US Drought Monitor. Cool temperatures have helped reduce impacts from a lack of precipitation, such as in eastern Iowa, but moisture is needed, especially as warmer temperatures are expected. 

Climate Outlook

Between June 12-19, most of Iowa is expected to receive at least 1 inch of rain. Greater amounts, around 2 inches, are expected in northern Iowa. Areas of localized heavy precipitation are possible with thunderstorms. Tune into the National Weather Service for short-term, point-specific forecasts. 

After a few weeks of mild temperatures, warmth is on the way and is expected to hang around for a few weeks. Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center show chances leaning toward above normal temperatures for the 6-10 day, 8-14 day, and 3-4 week outlooks. The 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks show precipitation chances leaning slightly above normal. The 8-14 day hazards outlook, valid June 19-25, shows a slight risk for extreme heat between June 19-21 and a slight risk for heavy precipitation between June 19-22 in northern Iowa.