SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 



519 



COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE STATE— JANUARY . 



T indicates an amount too small to measure, or less tlian .005 inch precipita- 

 tion, and less than .05 inch snowfall. 



FEBRUARY. 

 Despite the fact that the weather was colder than usual, February, 

 1916, must be classed with the more pleasant and favorable monthsi of 

 that name which are of record for Iowa. A predominance of fair, sun- 

 shiny weather, together with an absence both of marked fluctuations in 

 temperature and high winds contributed the features that gave the month, 

 the characteristics mentioned above. The month's coldness was almost 

 entirely the result of persistent low temperature during the first two 

 weeks. During that period freezing weather prevailed both day and 

 night throughout practically the whole state. On several morningsi the 

 readings were below zero, but, except in the extreme northwestern coun- 

 ties, no abnormally low temperatures occurred. The most pleasant part 

 of the month comprised the ten-day neriod be'^innine on the 15th. Dur- 

 ing that time the temperature was almost continuously above the normal 

 and fair weather was practically unbroken. However, rain and snow 

 fell on Washington's birthday, in the central counties. Rapid melting 

 of snow and ice took place during this mild perlo I. causing high water 

 in streams. In some cases ice jams damaged bridges and caused flooding 

 of lowlands. 



