WEATHER
USDA condition ratings show a slight uptick in winter wheat rated good-to-excellent
While drought intensity eased, most areas remain abnormally dry
The dry conditions have allowed for swift planting progress
Drought is expected to persist for most of the southern U.S.
A major winter storm delivering snow and rain brought relief
Soil moisture remains historically low as planting approaches
Area impacted by abnormal dryness or drought was up 3% from last week
Warmer than usual temperatures are expected to impact soil moisture levels
Portions of Mississippi, Alabama received 5 inches of rain last week
Spotty precipitation limited widespread shifts