Drought continues to ease in the eastern corn belt

The April 7^th drought monitor shows 79.1% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 0.9% from the previous week, with 60% in D1 level drought or higher, up 0.2%. Currently 29% (down 15%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 31% (down 13%) of soybean acres, and 68% (up 3%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 63% (down 1%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 33% (down 2%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

The eastern corn belt received precipitation ranging from 2-5 inches, helping to reduce drought conditions in Illinois and Indiana especially. Milder improvements were also made in the southeast and Southern Plains, with modest reduction in drought areas in Oklahoma and Texas. Rainfall was also noted further west of the Rockies, but was sparse and spotty enough to not spur drought reduction following the historically dry winter.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects rain to continue along the eastern portions of the Southern Plains, with a band of precipitation continuing northeast in to the Midwest. Totals are expected to vary from 1 to 4 inches along the front. Temperatures over that time are expected to continue to be above average, especially for the eastern U.S.

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