Percent of U.S. impacted by abnormal dryness falls for sixth consecutive week

The October 13th drought monitor shows 74.5% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1.3% from the previous week, with 53.7% in D1 level drought or higher, down 1.5%.Currently 20% (up 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 26% (up 1%) of soybean acres, and 53% (unchanged) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 47% (down 5%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 31% (down 4%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

The main weather event of the last week was Hurricane Isaias, which brought widespread rains to the Southeastern U.S. before moving up the Atlantic coastline. Above-normal temperatures In the northern Plains and Midwest led to some loss of soil moisture and drought intensifying, though most areas remain sufficient following the abnormally wet weather of recent weeks. Spotty moisture was also noted in the southern Plains.

The National Weather Service five to seven day forecast sees the possibility for widespread band of precipitation stretching from North Texas through the Midwest. Heaviest precipitation in the impacted area is expected to total two to five inches, with widespread totals of one to three inches likely. Rain is also forecast to continue in the Gulf Coast region again this week. Temperatures are expected to continue above average in the eastern U.S. after a brief cooldown this weekend.

Click here to view related maps.