Air Quality
Iowa air quality is generally good, with agricultural dust, ammonia and summer ozone the main issues.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Iowa counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Iowa averages roughly 40 acres burned by wildfires annually, a relatively low figure nationally.
- •Iowa faces far less wildfire risk than western U.S. states due to its climate and land cover.
Drought
As of recent U.S. Drought Monitor data, about 25% of Iowa was experiencing drought conditions.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
- •Drought conditions in Iowa can fluctuate significantly season to season.
Water Usage
Power plant cooling and irrigation dominate Iowa water withdrawals from its rivers and aquifers.
Emissions
Iowa emitted approximately 45.0 metric tons of energy-related CO2 per capita in 2022, per EIA data.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOIAA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOIAA).
- •Iowa's per-capita emissions are influenced heavily by its electricity generation mix.
Climate Indicators
Iowa faces heavier spring rainfall, more flooding and periodic drought that stress its farm economy.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
- •The 2020 derecho caused billions in crop and property damage across Iowa.