Upper Midwest sees significant drought removal

The April 14^th drought monitor shows 77.6% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1.5% from the previous week, with 61% in D1 level drought or higher, up 1%. Currently 26% (down 3%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 29% (down 2%) of soybean acres, and 68% (unchanged) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 63% (unchanged) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 33% (unchanged) of dairy cattle also in drought.

The Midwest was split by a system that dropped plentiful rainfall ranging from western Missouri in to Iowa and on to Michigan, missing the more southeastern portions of the region. Areas that were hit heaviest by the rain received 200-400% of normal amounts for the week. Temperatures continue to trend above average for the spring.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects spotty rain to continue in the Midwest and Northeast, with chances in the Southern Plains as well. Temperatures are expected to remain above average for most of the U.S. next week, although chances exist for relief from the warm weather in the Southwest.

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