Drought threat for Iowa if El Niño sets in quickly
Author
Published
2/16/2026
While La Niña persists as a weakening force in the near term, current data indicates the pattern will dissipate by March.
The end of La Niña is in sight, but for the central Corn Belt, the arrival of El Niño could be a double-edged sword if it develops too quickly during the summer, potentially triggering a rapid onset of drought in states such as Iowa and Illinois.
Atmospheric scientist Matt ...
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