Drought conditions intensify in the Southeast

The April 21st drought monitor shows 76.5% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1.1% from the previous week, with 62.8% in D1 level drought or higher, up 1.7%. Currently 27% (up 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 30% (up 1%) of soybean acres, and 70% (up 2%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 63% (unchanged) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 33% (unchanged) of dairy cattle also in drought.

This week saw rain continue in the central and northern parts of the Midwest, with spottier rains further south and east in the region. Conditions were mostly dry in the western U.S., as well as in the Southeast. Temperatures returned to more normal levels, but remained elevated, with most of the country seeing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above average.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects rain to continue in the central Plains, with the system expected to continue in to parts of the Midwest and Southeast. Temperatures are expected to dip slightly, but mostly remain consistent with the patterns seen over the last week.

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