Despite a soaking rain in December and mountains of snow, experts say it will take spring rains to replenish the soils.

Last year ranked among the top 20 warmest years on record in Iowa and top five warmest in the U.S., and while it remains to be seen what 2024 will bring, forecasters say drought conditions likely will persevere early in the year with potential changes heading into summer and fall.

Dr. Jerry Brotzge, director of the Kentucky Climatology Center, presented the North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Summary and Outlook Jan. 18. He maintained that warm and dry conditions will persist during this strong El Nino pattern despite...