Drought expands in winter wheat acres

The December 30th drought monitor shows 70% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up 1% from the previous week, with 42.8% in D1 level drought or higher, up 1.4%.

Abnormally high temperatures across a majority of the U.S., but especially the central and southeast regions, was the main weather story for the past week. The National Weather Service reported daily records for high temperatures were set at numerous locations across the country. Portions of the northern Midwest and eastern corn belt received precipitation that helped ease drought conditions in the area. The southern Plains reported mostly below-normal rainfall. Coupled with the higher than average temperatures, drought conditions expanded and soil moisture may become a concern for winter wheat crops. A blast of arctic air that moved in Monday brought temperatures back down closer to normal for the time of year.

Currently 32% of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought (unchanged) with 35% of soybean acres (up 3%), and 40% of winter wheat acres (up 2%) also impacted. For livestock, 32% of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions (up 2%) with 36% of dairy cattle also in drought (down 1%). National Weather Service forecasts expect an east-west divide to occur in weather patterns next week, with conditions remaining relatively stable on the west coast. Areas in the upper Midwest and those east of the Mississippi River are expected to receive more cold air with snowfall expected to concentrate in the Northeast corridor.

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