Despite wetter than normal conditions across much of Iowa in December and a portion of January, drought is expected to persist in the northwestern portion of the state through at least the first half of 2023.

Welcomed moisture blanketed much of Iowa in recent weeks in the form of rain and snow, but not enough to put a dent in the continued dryness the state has experienced for the better part of two years. Widespread rainfall in late November and early December hit the ground before it froze, so some...