Weather

A more seasonal early-November feel for much of the Heartland

Across the Corn Belt, cool, dry weather prevails in the wake of a cold front’s passage.  A bit of snow remains on the ground in parts of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, following drought-easing precipitation.  Despite temporary fieldwork delays, most Midwestern producers welcomed Thursday’s rain and wet snow due to benefits related to improving topsoil moisture and a reduction in the threat of wildfires.

On the Plains, temperatures are quickly rebounding to near or above-normal levels.  In addition, any meaningful rain from the recent storm system was largely confined to the eastern Plains, leaving much of the nation’s Hard Red winter wheat production area still in need of moisture for crop establishment.  Nationally, 62% of the winter wheat production area was in drought on October 27, according to statistics derived from the U.S. Drought Monitor and Census of Agriculture data.

In the South, a decaying line of showers stretches from Virginia to the central Gulf Coast.  Record-setting warmth continues in the southern Atlantic States, while slightly cooler air is arriving west of the Appalachians.  Most areas remain quite dry, although significant rain fell on Thursday in parts of the mid-South and lower Mississippi Valley.  No measurable rain fell during October in locations such as College Station, Texas; Anniston, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia. 

In the West, mostly below-normal temperatures prevail.  Precipitation surging inland across the Northwest is improving prospects for fall-sown crops, including winter wheat.  On October 27, prior to this precipitation event, topsoil moisture was rated 70% very short to short in Oregon, along with 63% in Washington.  On the same date, Washington led the western U.S. with its rangeland and pastures rated 77% very poor to poor