Drought Monitor shows little net change from previous week

The May 5th drought monitor shows 73.4% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 0.1% from the previous week, with 60.9% in D1 level drought or higher, down 0.8%. Currently 25% (unchanged) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 27% (unchanged) of soybean acres, and 70% (up 1%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 61% (unchanged) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 32% (unchanged) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Precipitation was mostly focused in the southern U.S. this week, with areas from Texas in to the Mississippi and Tennessee River Valleys receiving rains that helped ease drought conditions. The Midwest and Plains were comparatively drier but still saw spotty rainfall. The weather should be generally positive for crop development, with early planted crop in the south receiving a boost to germination and the Midwest able to catch up on planting.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects rain to be focused in the southern U.S. once again, though most of the east coast is expected to receive some rainfall. Heaviest precipitation is expected to be in a band from east Texas to south Alabama, and brings the possibility of severe weather as well. The outlook for temperatures is a rise from current levels to near-normal to slightly above-normal for most of the continuous U.S.

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