A spokesperson with the state climatologist office has confirmed what many Iowans have suspected - this is the rainiest August in Iowa history.

Harry Hillaker, climatologist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, reported Friday that continuing rains have resulted in a statewide average precipitation amount of 8.62 inches through early Friday morning. The previous record was 8.24 inches in August 1993.

The preliminary average of 8.62 inches also ties this month for the seventh wettest month in Iowa's history, dating back to 1873. The ongoing rain means that by the end of the month, August 2007 will likely be the sixth wettest month in history.

Here are the current 10 wettest months in Iowa (dating back to January 1873):

1. July 1993: 10.50 inches

2. June 1947: 10.33

3. September 1965: 9.65

4. September 1926: 9.65

5. July 1902: 8.75

6. June 1967: 8.67

7. May 1892: 8.62

8. August 2007: 8.62*

9. July 1992: 8.53

10. May 1903: 8.48

11. August 1993: 8.24

*Preliminary through 7 a.m., Aug. 24