Drought monitor shows mixed changes in the Midwest

The January 6th drought monitor shows 70% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up less than 1% from the previous week, with 44.8% in D1 level drought or higher, up 2%. Currently 32% of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought (unchanged) with 38% of soybean acres (up 3%), and 42% of winter wheat acres (up 2%) also impacted. For livestock, 36% of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions (up 4%) with 34% of dairy cattle also in drought (down 2%).

Warm and wet conditions dominated the western portion of the U.S. over the past week, with rainfall notably replacing snow in portions of the Rockies. Snowpack continues to remain behind pace for the season. Cooler, but still seasonably warm temperatures were seen in the Midwest and Southeast. Changes to drought conditions were mixed across the Midwest, with some improvements noted in southwest Michigan and northwest Illinois, but expansion of drought in southern Illinois and parts of Missouri. Areas of the southern plains and Florida panhandle continue to struggle with drought as the extended absence of widespread rain and warmer than usual temperatures work to drain soil moisture levels.

The National Weather Service expects more active weather patterns to develop over the next five to seven days. Warmer than normal temperatures will continue, bringing moisture to the atmosphere which should result in some precipitation. Areas from the central Plains stretching towards the Great Lakes are expected to receive some rainfall, although heavier totals will be concentrated further south in to Kentucky.

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