Extended weather outlook continues to signal improved rainfall over Southern Plains

The 90-day forecast from the National Weather Service signals increased chances of above-normal precipitation across most of the key HRW production areas of the Central and Southern Plains through February. Below-normal precip is expected during the 90-day period for northwestern HRW and white winter wheat production areas. Temperatures are expected to be “near normal” over key HRW areas of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado, with “equal chances” for temps in other areas of the Central and Southern Plains. Roughly the northern half of the country is expected to see warmer-than-normal winter weather.  

As of Nov. 14, USDA estimated 44% of U.S. winter wheat areas were covered by drought, up two points from the previous week. 

In HRW areas, dryness/drought covered 89% of Kansas (8% D3 or D4), 52% of Colorado (1% D3 or D4), 56% of Oklahoma (1% D3, no D4), 79% of Texas (8% D3 or D4), 41% of Nebraska (11% D3 or D4), 12% of South Dakota (no D3 or D4) and 33% of Montana (no D3 or D4).

In SRW areas, dryness/drought covered 83% of Missouri (1% D3, no D4), 55% of Illinois (no D3 or D4), 74% of Indiana (no D3 or D4), 45% of Ohio (no D3 or D4), 25% of Michigan (no D3 or D4), 73% of Kentucky (no D3 or D4) and 97% of Tennessee (52% D3 or D4).

The Seasonal Drought Outlook calls for drought improvement or removal across most of the key production areas of the Southern Plains through February.