Drought expands in the lower Midwest

The September 8th drought monitor shows 81.1% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up 2% from the previous week, with 58.6% in D1 level drought or higher, down 0.5%.Currently 25% (down 3%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 27% (down 3%) of soybean acres, and 57% (down 25%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 58% (down 2%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 39% (down 4%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Hot weather that was ten to fifteen degrees above normal for early September continued to impact most of the U.S. this past week. That combined with the lack of rainfall caused drought to expand in parts of the lower Midwest. Rainfall was more prevelant further north in the Plains and western Iowa, with totals for the week exceeding 3 inches in some areas. U.S.Tropical Storm Edouard brought over a foot of rain to a narrow band through Southeast Texas as well.

The National Weather Service expects rainfall to come to the Plains states in the 5 to 7 day forecast, though most areas will receive less than an inch total. The Southeastern U.S. is also expected to receive spotty rains, with totals over an inch expected closer to the coastal regions. Rainfall is expected to be minimal in the northern portions of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio which should aid for any early harvest activity.

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