The trend of warmer and drier than normal weather in Iowa continued from September into the first part of October before the pattern changed in the middle and latter part of the month. Through nearly the first three weeks of October, temperatures were averaging well above normal in most of Iowa. 

 Two fairly major weather systems late in the month pushed monthly precipitation totals well above normal in parts of the state. Not all locations received the heavier amounts from these systems, however. 

These October rains reduced long-term drought conditions in...