Hot summer, featuring western Corn Belt dryness

The National Weather Service 90-day forecast calls for elevated odds of above-normal temps across virtually the entire country for July through September. However, the lowest odds of above-normal temps are in the major corn producing areas of the central Corn Belt. And the heat is not expected to build from Iowa and central Illinois northward until after the corn crop has pollinated, as the July outlook gives “equal chances” for above-, below- and normal temps in those areas.

The central and western Corn Belt are expected to see below-normal precip during the 90-day period. The eastern half of Illinois eastward and southward are expected to see “equal chances” for rainfall during the period.

If the forecast verifies, hotter-than-normal temps will necessitate timely summer rainfall will be needed, especially in those areas that are expected to favor a drier bias.