Drought conditions intensify for most of the southern U.S.

The November 18th drought monitor shows 69% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up just over 1% from the previous week, with 46.1% in D1 level drought or higher, up 1.7%.

Precipitation and drought improvement over the past week was mainly focused in the areas west of the Rocky mountains, with widespread rain and snow across California and the Pacific Northwest in particular. Rainfall was more scattered in the Midwest, with limited rainfall in Illinois and Iowa, leading to slightly worsening drought conditions. Nearly all of the southeast stayed dry over the past week, as dry conditions continue to dominate most of the fall season for the region.

Currently 32% of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought (up 3%), with 33% of soybean acres (up 2%), and 41% of winter wheat acres (up 2%) also impacted. For livestock, 33% of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions (up 5%), with 39% of dairy cattle also in drought (up 3%). The National Weather Service forecast for next week shows mixed precipitation across most of the corn belt. Precipitation is expected to be more widespread in the southern areas of Ohio and areas along the Kentucky-Indiana border, with drier conditions prevailing further north.

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