Rains continue to ease drought concerns in central and southern U.S.

The June 23rd drought monitor shows 69.9% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 3% from the previous week, with 52.3% in D1 level drought or higher, down 2.7%.Currently 22% (down 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 22% (down 1%) of soybean acres, and 25% (up 2%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 50% (down 3%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 34% (unchanged) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Rainfall was spotty in the Midwest, with most precipitation coming from localized thunderstorms that caused minor crop damage in some areas. The Gulf Coast received heavy rains once again, with totals as high as 8 inches in some areas resulting in flooding. Further west, warm dry weather patterns dominated most of the U.S.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects the eastern U.S. to turn hotter in the coming week as a cooling pattern breaks down. That will allow some of the dryness and heat in the western U.S. to dissipate briefly, offering some relief in areas.

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