Midwest sees mixed changes in drought monitor

The November 10th drought monitor shows 67.0% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 2.1% from the previous week, with 41.7% in D1 level drought or higher, down 2.3%.Currently 21% (up 2%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 29% (up 1%) of soybean acres, and 48% (unchanged) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 35% (down 3%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 26% (up 2%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Most of the U.S. saw drought ease last week, with rainfall continuing in most of the southern U.S. in particular. Notable exceptions to that were the states bordering the Great Lakes as well as the area around the lower Mississippi that remained mostly dry for the period. Parts of the Southeast nearer the Atlantic saw localized reports of over six inches of rain over the past week, greatly easing drought. While drought intensified in parts of the northern Midwest, areas in southern Illinois and Indiana did see mild reduction in drought ratings.

The National Weather Service expects rainfall next week to be likely in the southern Plains, though the system may be limited. A potential Nor’easter is also being tracked that could impact an area stretching from Pennsylvania into southern New England. The northern Plains and Southeastern U.S. look to remain mostly dry. Temperatures are expected to be normal to above normal in the central U.S., with temperatures turning cooler in the eastern half of the country.

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