Rains in the southern U.S. lead to mild drought improvement

The April 28th drought monitor shows 75.4% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1.1% from the previous week, with 61.7% in D1 level drought or higher, also down 1.1%. Currently 25% (down 2%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 27% (down 3%) of soybean acres, and 69% (down 1%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 61% (down 2%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 32% (down 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

This week saw precipitation heaviest in the mid-South and Mississippi Delta regions. Spottier rains also occurred in the eastern portions of the Plains, though not enough to erase drought concerns. Rainfall was spottier across the Midwest. Portions of the Great Lakes received a much needed break from rain following a very wet start to the spring.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects rain to be focused in the southern U.S., with totals in east Texas and the south Atlantic states potentially being as high as 4 inches. Hail and tornado conditions are also possible due to thunderstorm activity in the forecast. After many consecutive weeks of above normal temperatures, this weeks forecast expects most areas east of the Rockies to be cooler-than-normal.

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