Mostly favorable finishing weather expected for Corn Belt

The extended weather forecast from the National Weather Service calls for increased chances of above-normal precip from the eastern halves of Nebraska and Kansas across the south-central and southeastern Corn Belt, Mid-South and Delta for August through October. Other areas of the Corn Belt and Plains are expected to see “equal chances” for normal, below-normal and above-normal precip during the period. The 90-day outlook shows elevated chances for below-normal temps in a bubble covering much of Iowa, eastern Nebraska and the northern half of Missouri. There are “equal chances” for temps for the rest of the central and northern areas of the Corn Belt and Plains. Above-normal temps are likely across the far eastern Corn Belt, Mid-South, Delta and Southern Plains during the period.  

As of July 18, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed 49% of the U.S. was covered by abnormal dryness/drought, unchanged from the previous week. USDA estimated drought (D1 or higher) covered 55% of corn production areas (down nine points) and 50% of soybeans (down seven points). Drought expanded in spring wheat areas, with 31% now covered (up six points). USDA estimated 17% of cotton areas were covered by drought (up two points). The seasonal drought outlook calls for drought improvement or removal for most areas of the Corn Belt through October.