Iowa Rain Totals Vary Widely, Some Areas Get 7 Inches
DES MOINES, Iowa — Rainfall across Iowa proved highly localized and uneven on Wednesday, with some communities inundated by multiple inches while others recorded little to no precipitation.
Heavy Rain in Northern and Western Iowa
The most dramatic rainfall totals were reported in Guthrie, Webster, and Calhoun counties, where 4 to 7 inches fell as thunderstorms repeatedly developed and stalled in the same areas. Automated observation sites across northern Iowa confirmed widespread 1–2 inches of rainfall, with Fort Dodge leading major reporting cities at 2.45 inches.
Other significant totals included Hampton (1.90″), Algona (1.40″), Osceola (1.39″), and Audubon (1.31″). These areas were among the hardest hit by slow-moving, pulse-like storms that persisted for much of Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Central and Southern Iowa Stay Mostly Dry
In contrast, much of central and southern Iowa received only light showers. Des Moines measured just 0.54 inches, while Ames saw 0.12 inches and Boone only 0.01 inches. Several cities, including Grinnell (0.34″), Perry (0.26″), and Creston (0.10″), experienced barely measurable rainfall.
Overall, central Iowa averaged between a quarter-inch and three-quarters of an inch, underscoring the wide disparity in rainfall distribution across the state.
Full 72-Hour Rainfall Totals
- Fort Dodge – 2.45″
- Hampton – 1.90″
- Algona – 1.40″
- Osceola – 1.39″
- Audubon – 1.31″
- Centerville – 1.09″
- Marshalltown – 0.88″
- Pella – 0.64″
- Carroll – 0.60″
- Clarion – 0.59″
- Des Moines – 0.54″
- Knoxville – 0.51″
- Iowa Falls – 0.47″
- Lamoni – 0.43″
- Ankeny – 0.37″
- Grinnell – 0.34″
- Atlantic – 0.32″
- Perry – 0.26″
- Ames – 0.12″
- Creston – 0.10″
- Boone – 0.01″
Forecast Outlook
Meteorologists caution that the same pattern of scattered, uneven rainfall may continue into the end of the week. While some towns could see isolated heavy downpours, others may remain relatively dry.
With rainfall totals varying from over 7 inches in some counties to nearly nothing in others, Iowans can expect a continuation of spotty storms and localized weather extremes. For more regional weather updates and storm coverage, stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com.