Excessive rains lead to drought reduction in the Southeastern U.S.

The October 6th drought monitor shows 75.8% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 2.6% from the previous week, with 55.2% in D1 level drought or higher, down 4.2%.Currently 19% (down 2%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 25% (down 2%) of soybean acres, and 53% (down 4%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 52% (down 5%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 35% (down 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Rainfall continued to be abnormally heavy in the Southeast, especially in Georgia and Florida. The Plains states saw another decent round of showers as well, with localized totals ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 inches. The combination of excessive rainfall in the drought-stricken Southeast as well as generally cooler temperatures across the U.S. helped lead to drought reductions for most of the country.

The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Isaias, slated to make landfall in the Gulf this coming weekend. The storm is expected to intensify into a category-2 hurricane before making landfall with winds up to 105 miles per hour. The path of the storm is still in question, but a trail of heavy rains and wind is likely to carve its way through the southern U.S. as the storm moves inland. The storm could have a sizable impact on cotton quality especially if it turns east towards the already water-logged Georgia crop.

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