Peter Corrigan, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Johnston, said a weak La Nina weather phenomenon is expected to fade away this summer. La Nina is a cooling of Pacific Ocean currents that affects weather patterns, while El Nino is a cooling of usually chilled Pacific waters. But it is critical when the rain falls. We were very short last year, but it fell at the right time for the crops. Another positive sign is that the drought outlook nationwide has improved, Hillaker said.
Drought likes company.
The bigger the dry area is, the more likely it is to persist. But last fall, it was pretty wet over most of the country. In Iowa, we were below normal, but not nearly as dry as a year earlier. U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia. However, those renovations are a temporary measure while local leaders look for a long-term fix, such as building a reservoir to provide a permanent supply of water, Harris said.