Thunderstorms bring spotty drought relief across U.S.

The June 9th drought monitor shows 74.7% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 3.1% from the previous week, with 56.2% in D1 level drought or higher, down 2.2%.Currently 24% (down 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 25% (down 2%) of soybean acres, and 63% (down 6%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 54% (down 6%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 35% (up 2%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Rainfall was spottier this week, with most precipitation coming from hit-or-miss thunderstorms. Portions of the southern Plains and Midwest did receive higher than average precipitation for the week. Drought relief in the south has helped crops, but longer term moisture deficits still persist. The eastern seaboard missed out on much needed rains once again this week.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects weather patterns to show continued rainfall in the southern U.S., with areas further north and west expected to tend dryer. Above-normal temperatures are expected in the western and southeastern portions of the country over the next 10-days, with lower than average temperatures expected in the Great Lakes region.

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