Hot, dry conditions lead to uptick in U.S. drought

The September 1st drought monitor shows 79.1% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up 1.6% from the previous week, with 59.1% in D1 level drought or higher, up 2.5%.Currently 28% (up 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 30% (up 2%) of soybean acres, and 82% (up 2%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 60% (up 2%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 43% (up 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

A majority of the central U.S. saw dry weather continue last week. Notable exceptions include areas of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas that saw flash flooding. Most areas that missed rainfall saw warm conditions which also worked to draw on soil moisture. Temperatures in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states were relatively mild compared to the recent high temperatures seen in most of August.

The National Weather Service expects mostly dry conditions to continue across the central U.S. through the weekend. Rainfall is expected on Monday, with the heaviest amounts concentrated in the southeastern U.S. The 6 to 10 day forecast sees warmer-than-normal temperatures continuing for most of the country, particularly in the lower Midwest.

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