It has already been a record-breaking month for rainfall in Des Moines, with more rain still possible before July ends.
July 2025 surpassed the monthly record for rainfall at the Des Moines International Airport on July 30. Consistent precipitation throughout the month, in addition to multiple rounds of heavy storms, made 2025 the wettest month on record in the city.
What is Iowa's rainfall record for July?
Rainfall for July amounted to 10.62 inches as of 7 a.m. July 30, at the Des Moines Airport, according to the National Weather Service. There is still time for the total to increase with more rain in the forecast for the final days of the month.
The previous record for July at the Des Moines International Airport was 10.51 inches, set in 1958. This record includes the entire month as opposed to the new record, which is missing part of July 30 and all of July 31.
During 2024, July saw a total of 8.99 inches of rainfall at the Des Moines airport. The normal value for the entire month of July is 3.82 inches.
Why is it raining so much in Iowa?
The recent storms in Iowa are, in part, due to the state being on the edge of a high-pressure ridge stemming from the south. Waves of storms ride the top of the ridge. Since Iowa is on the edge of the ridge, the state is experiencing moisture from the periphery, causing thunderstorms during the summer months.
While the amount of rain has been abnormal, the weather patterns triggering such a wet month are normal, said Kristy Carter, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Des Moines.
"Generally speaking, it's not abnormal to see a kind of pattern where you get heat and then some overnight storms through the summer months," Carter said. "That's kind of what we just had this summer, both June and July. Certainly, we have seen a little more rain, but that's just where the pattern has been."
When will the rain stop?
Des Moines is trending toward a drier partner over the next few weeks, Carter said. Possible showers could bring as much as an inch of rain to Des Moines on July 30, according to the National Weather Service. Wrapping up July and starting a new month, the weather outlook is sunny for Des Moines.
Even though the weather patterns may shift, that doesn't mean it won't rain at all in Iowa, Carter said.
"A drier outlook doesn't mean no rain, it just means compared to normal," Carter warned.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why has it rained so much? Des Moines surpasses July rainfall record
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