The extended weather forecast from the National Weather Service calls for “equal chances” for normal, above-normal and below-normal rainfall across the central U.S. during September. Above-normal rainfall is expected in the Southeast. There are also equal chances for temps across the eastern two-thirds of the Corn Belt next month, while western areas of the region, the Plains, Mid-South, Delta and Southeast have increased chances of above-normal temps.
Unless there are timely rains during September, it could be a less-than-favorable finish to the growing season in the areas expected to see above-normal temps.
The 90-day forecast through November is similar, suggesting it should be a relatively open harvest window across the Corn Belt.
The Seasonal Drought Outlook calls for drought to persist across most areas of the southern, western and northern Corn Belt through November.