Spotty rains bring little drought relief to Northern Plains

The August 18^th drought monitor shows 76.2% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up 2.6% from the previous week, with 52.7% in D1 level drought or higher, up 2.3%.Currently 28% (down 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 26% (unchanged) of soybean acres, and 76% (up 13%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 55% (up 2%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 42% (up 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Heaviest rainfall totals were noted along a band stretching from Nebraska to Iowa, with areas in central Illinois and Indiana also receiving an excess of 5 inches of rainfall over the period. Spotty, lighter rains occurred in the Northern Plains though not enough to reduce drought in spring wheat country. A high pressure system limited rainfall in the Southeast, and high temperatures contributed to quick crop maturation and loss of soil moisture.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast shows rains heaviest along the east coast, with precipitation lighter but still present in the Midwest. Illinois, Ohio, and the area at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers show the highest chances of rainfall. Temperatures are likely to continue to be above-average across most of the continental U.S. next week.

Click here to view related maps.