Climatological spring precipitation in Iowa has exhibited a below normal trend. 

Statewide, March precipitation averaged 0.61 inches below normal, with only a few southeastern areas reporting above normal amounts. 

April's statewide precipitation was 1.61 inches below normal, although some southwestern, central and northeastern locations experienced above normal amounts.

The need for rain escalated during the second half of May, and some of the driest locations in the state received less than 30% of normal May amounts. Some early May...