Warm, dry September outlook for northwest Corn Belt, wet for eastern Belt

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for September gives above-normal odds for dry conditions in Minnesota, the Dakotas and the western third of the country. Heat is also likely for this area, maintaining concerns about drought-stressed crops in the northwest Corn Belt.

The 30-day weather outlook is wet from the eastern Corn Belt to the Delta, which would help crops in these areas to finish strong. NWS provided little insight regarding likely Midwest temperatures, giving equal chances for normal, above-normal and below-normal precipitation for all but far northern and western areas of the region.

The September through November forecast favors warm weather across the Midwest and Plains, with dry weather likely for the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and neighboring areas of Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. The outlook points to a quick harvest but it also signals crops in the western Corn Belt could go backward heading into harvest.