Extended forecast offers little moisture relief for HRW areas

The National Weather Service (NWS) 90-day forecast continues to call for increased chances of below-normal precip across most of HRW wheat areas during the January through March period. But the area expected to see above-normal temps across the Southern Plains continues to shrink, with the major HRW production areas now expected to see “equal chances” for above-, below- and normal temperatures during the three-month period. The majority of SRW production areas are expected to see above-normal precip, with mostly “equal chances” on temps.

Above-normal precip and below-normal temps are expected from the Pacific Northwest through the Northern Plains during the period.

The seasonal drought outlook through March shows drought persisting across most HRW production areas. Drought is expected to improve or be removed across most of SRW wheat areas.